In a recent interview with The Sun, Senator Shehu Sani, a prominent human rights advocate and public commentator, shed light on what he perceives as a strategic maneuver by former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and other Northern elites to oust President Bola Ahmed Tinubu from office in 2027. This revelation follows a recent Sallah homage paid to former President Muhammadu Buhari by Atiku and other Northern dignitaries, a move Sani interprets as politically motivated rather than a mere friendly visit.
Senator Sani highlighted that the visit to Buhari in Daura by Atiku and his associates was more than a simple gesture of camaraderie. He argued that this gathering was a calculated step towards building alliances and solidifying support for a future bid to reclaim the presidency in the upcoming 2027 elections. Sani believes that the involvement of such influential figures indicates a concerted effort to challenge Tinubu's administration, framing it as a significant event in the political landscape of Nigeria.
Critically reflecting on Buhari's tenure, Sani did not hold back in his assessment. He described Buhari's administration as a period marked by significant failures, particularly in the Northern region of the country. Sani accused Buhari of leaving the North in a worse state than he found it, citing issues such as rampant corruption, economic decline, and the exacerbation of security challenges like terrorism and banditry during his eight years in power. According to Sani, these issues under Buhari’s leadership have had a lasting negative impact on the nation.
He said: But I have to draw the attention to two facts – first of all, Buhari was a colossal failure. He has led this country for eight years and he left the North worse than he met it and the treasury of the country was looted under him; the economy was pillaged under him and the nation was plundered and terrorism and banditry was at the highest peak under Buhari administration.