Former Niger State Governor, Muazu Babangida Aliyu, has stated that if Nigerians were able to endure eight years under former President Muhammadu Buhari, then President Bola Tinubu deserves the opportunity to complete two full terms in office.
Aliyu, who serves as Chairman of the Board of Trustees for the Sir Ahmadu Bello Memorial Foundation, shared his views during an interview on Arise Television’s The Morning Show. He emphasized the importance of respecting the rotational presidency system between the North and South and warned that northern politicians seeking the presidency in 2027 could spark tensions.
He remarked, “I have heard many of the aspirants already saying they will serve one term. If a northerner says he’s serving one term, what problem is he creating for the North?”
Acknowledging the difficulties faced during Buhari’s administration, Aliyu pointed out that Nigerians tolerated his leadership for eight years, suggesting they could similarly allow Tinubu to finish his current term and potentially a second one. He said, “If we could tolerate the late Muhammadu Buhari for eight years, let’s try this one. Maybe by 2031, we can review the arrangement.”
Aliyu also highlighted the rising influence of opposition parties like the African Democratic Congress (ADC), stressing the need for them to offer credible alternatives. “My argument has always been, what is the alternative? If you want to remove a president, what are you offering the people in return?”
Additionally, he cautioned that ongoing defections within political parties could intensify, noting, “For now, only governors and lawmakers are defecting. By 2031, you may end up with a presidential defection. Is that not a constitutional issue?”