Gov Zulum Reveals Agreement On Presidency After Tinubu’s Second Term

Borno State Governor, Babagana Zulum, has disclosed that political power is expected to return to Northern Nigeria after President Bola Tinubu completes his second term in office.

Zulum made the disclosure in Kaduna on Sunday after attending an engagement with Northern women Ulama and Islamic scholars.

The governor said the understanding was reached as part of the political arrangement that paved the way for the emergence of Tinubu as president in 2023.

According to him, Northern political leaders agreed to support the South during the current presidential cycle, with the expectation that the presidency would return to the North after Tinubu’s tenure.

His position is similar to comments previously made by other senior northern politicians on the 2031 presidency.

Former APC National Chairman Abdullahi Ganduje had also said in February 2025 that the presidency would return to the North after Tinubu completes his eight-year tenure.

Niger State Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago similarly said in September 2025 that northerners should wait until 2031 before seeking the presidency.

Zulum, however, presented the arrangement as part of a broader understanding between political leaders from the North and South.

He said the agreement was designed to promote political stability and strengthen national unity.

“About five years ago, we decided to ensure unity in Northern Nigeria, and we have achieved our objective,” Zulum said.

The Borno governor recalled that northern leaders had played a major role in supporting Tinubu’s emergence during the 2023 presidential election.

He maintained that the political understanding reached at the time should be respected, especially as the country moves closer to the 2027 general election.

Zulum urged Nigerians not to allow political disagreements to weaken the country or create divisions between the different regions.

He said the North had benefited from political power in the past and should also respect the decision to allow the South to complete its current tenure.

The governor appealed to Nigerians to remain patient with the Tinubu administration as it continues to deal with insecurity, poverty and other difficulties confronting the country.

He said northern leaders had used their meetings and consultations to discuss some of the major problems affecting the region.

According to him, insecurity, poverty and the growing number of out-of-school children were among the issues discussed during engagements with northern stakeholders.

Zulum said the discussions were not limited to political matters, stressing that the region needed to address its social and economic challenges alongside its political concerns.

He also spoke about the importance of women in maintaining peace within families and communities.

The governor said women have significant influence over the upbringing of children and the stability of their communities.

“Women should be given the opportunity to nurture their children so they can live in peace,” he said.

Zulum urged the women who attended the Kaduna meeting to take the message of peace and unity back to their respective states.

He said the country could not make meaningful progress if political disagreements continued to deepen existing divisions.

The governor also called for patience among Nigerians who are frustrated by the country’s current economic and security challenges.

He referred to Islamic teachings on perseverance and urged citizens to remain hopeful despite the difficulties they face.

“Whenever God tests us with a trial, patience is necessary before relief comes,” he said.

Zulum said his position on the political arrangement was based on conviction rather than fear or pressure from any individual or political group.

“I speak from the heart, not out of fear of anyone, but in the name of God,” Zulum said.

He expressed confidence that justice would eventually prevail, while calling on political leaders to put the interests of the country above personal ambitions.

The Borno governor also pointed to the need for continued cooperation between the various regions of Nigeria.

He said the North had previously supported political arrangements that favoured the South and should therefore remain committed to the understanding reached with southern political leaders.

The governor also commended the organisers of the Kaduna engagement for bringing together women Ulama and Islamic scholars.

He encouraged similar meetings across the northern states, saying religious and community leaders could play a major role in promoting peace and responsible political participation.

Zulum further highlighted the electoral influence of women, particularly in Borno State.

He estimated that women account for between 60 and 65 per cent of votes cast in the state.

He therefore urged women to use their influence during elections to promote peaceful participation and discourage actions that could cause violence.

The governor said political participation should not be reduced to rivalry between individuals or regions.