Saraki Rules Out 2027 Presidential Bid, Backs Zoning To South

Saraki Rules Out 2027 Presidential Bid, Backs Zoning To South
Decision based on zoning arrangement favouring southern region
Former Senate President supports PDP position on power rotation

Former Senate President, Bukola Saraki, has ruled out contesting the 2027 presidential election, citing the need to respect the zoning arrangement that favours the southern region.

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EKO HOT BLOG reports that Saraki made this known on Thursday while speaking on Politics Today on Channels Television.

“No, I’m not running for president in 2027,” he said.

The former governor of Kwara State said his decision was guided by political fairness and adherence to the zoning resolution adopted by his party after the 2023 general election.

He admitted that he had long held presidential ambition but chose to step aside in support of the arrangement.

“I do, I do, I would not lie if I say I don’t,” he said when asked if he had presidential ambition.

“But after the 2023 election… having Nigeria choose to elect President Bola Tinubu from the South, I think we felt that, look, it’s only fair to allow the South to complete eight years.”

Saraki explained that when the Peoples Democratic Party deliberated on zoning, he supported the position that the presidency should remain in the South for the 2027 election.

“So when the party met last year to discuss zoning, I supported the position that the presidency should be zoned to the South in 2027. To abide by that decision, I have ruled out contesting,” he said.

Reflecting on the 2023 presidential election, Saraki said the party adopted an open contest at the time, which allowed aspirants from all regions to participate.

“Because in 2023… the final recommendation of the party allowed it to be open for all,” he stated.

Saraki Rules Out 2027 Presidential Bid, Backs Zoning To South

Addressing the debate on fairness in power rotation, he argued that historical trends show the southern region has held presidential power longer than the North.

“If you do the mathematics… There are fewer years that the North has been in power than the South. The numbers support those who chose to run,” he said.

He added that the PDP’s current stance reflects political realities following the outcome of the last general election.