“North Owes Tinubu A Debt And Will Pay It Back” — Ganduje Defends Power Rotation, Says 75% Of Nigeria’s Leaders Are Northerners

Former Kano State Governor and National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress, APC, Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, has said Northern Nigeria owes President Bola Ahmed Tinubu a political debt and will pay it back by supporting him to complete eight years in office.

Ganduje spoke during an interview with DW Hausa where he defended power rotation and rejected claims that Tinubu is responsible for the challenges facing the North.

“We did not say Obi cannot lead this country. We are not like those people; he is a prominent leader. If God gives him the opportunity, he can rule this country. We did not say Atiku cannot lead this country. If God grants him victory, he was a former Vice President and can lead this country,” Ganduje said.

“But what we are saying is that Asiwaju supported Northerners to become president, even when God did not grant it to them initially. Later, he supported Muhammadu Buhari to become president, and he became president. He supported him even when he was ill to go for a second term. Asiwaju said, ‘As long as he is breathing, I will support him to remain president.’ And he helped him become president. So now that a Southerner has done just four years, should we demand that power return to the North?”

Ganduje said his delegation led by former Zamfara Governor, Senator Abdulaziz Yari as Director-General, has been touring the country consulting traditional rulers and top Islamic scholars across Izala, Tijjaniyya and Qadiriyya sects on national unity and peace.

“As you know, former Governor of Zamfara State and current Senator Yari is the Director-General of this campaign. We started this tour by visiting influential key stakeholders to discuss national matters concerning Nigeria, specifically regarding progress and peaceful coexistence in our country,” he said.

“Based on our consultations and the feedback from those we engaged, they showed us beyond doubt that this election should be conducted peacefully. As Northerners, we are known for justice and fairness, and power rotation is an established principle. Therefore, it is only proper that President Asiwaju completes his eight-year tenure.”

On insecurity and economic hardship, Ganduje said the problems did not start under Tinubu and blamed Northern leaders for failing to stop Boko Haram at its early stage.

“What you are talking about is like a sick person who needs treatment; he goes to the hospital and is told he needs surgery. Now, if surgery is to be performed, can it be done without experiencing any pain? Even with anesthesia, you will still feel some discomfort. The current challenges did not start just four years ago; they accumulated over many past years,” he said.

“Look at security: Boko Haram started long ago. Where did Boko Haram start? In the North. Who are they? Are they not Muslims? Are they not Northerners? What did Northern leaders do to prevent Boko Haram from spreading at that time? Yet Boko Haram is still around. Then cattle rustling came, kidnapping came, and banditry came. These didn’t start today. But measures are currently being taken to address these issues.”

Ganduje gave a historical breakdown of leadership since independence, arguing that the North has dominated power.

“In 1960, who was Nigeria’s leader? Was it not Tafawa Balewa? He was the leader. When the military took over, Ironsi came in—how long did he rule? Not even up to two years, and he was from the South. Then Gowon, a Northerner, took over and ruled for nine years. After he was removed, General Murtala, a Northerner, took over. After Murtala, Obasanjo took over—a Southerner. After Obasanjo, Shagari came in. Then later, Abdulsalami, a Northerner, ruled. After him, Obasanjo returned as a democratic president for eight years—a Southerner. Then Yar’Adua, a Northerner, took over before illness took his life. Then Jonathan from the South ruled. After him, our brother ruled for eight years,” he said.[Buhari]

“To summarize the story, from 1960 to date, 75% of those who have ruled Nigeria are Northerners. The Southern part of this country has only held power for 25% of the time since independence. Therefore, if Nigeria’s structure were a building, Northern Nigeria holds a 75% stake in it. If the nation collapses, the North bears 75% of the responsibility.”

On whether Tinubu is the problem of the North, Ganduje said:

“Tinubu is not Nigeria’s problem. Let me tell you directly: if your children face problems in your house, do you blame your neighbors? Are bandits not Northerners? Are Boko Haram members not Northerners? Are most kidnappers not Northerners? Why shouldn’t Northern leaders step up to stop their youth from taking this path?”

He dismissed opposition propaganda against Tinubu’s re-election bid and asked critics to name their alternative.

“If they don’t want Asiwaju, who do they want? Obi? Or Atiku? We haven’t said Obi or Atiku cannot rule; they are leaders. But Asiwaju supported Northerners like Buhari to become president for two terms. Now that a Southerner is serving his term, should we demand power return to the North immediately? Is that fair? We do not play emotional or double-standard politics. We play modern, logical, and fair politics,” he said.

When asked if the North owes Tinubu a political debt, Ganduje replied:

“Absolutely! The North owes Tinubu a political debt, and the North has started paying it, and by God’s grace, the North will fully pay it back.”