Saraki rules out 2027 presidential bid, backs Southern zoning
Former Senate President Bukola Saraki has ruled out contesting the 2027 presidential election, citing his support for zoning the presidency to the southern region of the country.
Saraki made this known on Thursday while speaking as a guest on Politics Today, where he stated clearly that he would not be in the race.
“No, I’m not running for president in 2027,” he said during the interview.
He, however, acknowledged his long-standing ambition to lead the country, noting that his decision was influenced by political fairness and party consensus after the 2023 general election.
According to Saraki, following the election of Bola Tinubu from the South in 2023, it is only fair to allow the region to complete eight years in power.
He explained that when his party deliberated on zoning, he supported the resolution that the presidency should remain in the South in 2027, adding that he is committed to abiding by that decision.
Reflecting on the 2023 election, Saraki noted that he backed Atiku Abubakar because the party had adopted an open contest at the time.
On developments in Kwara State, the former governor said his recent political engagements were driven by concerns over governance, hardship, and insecurity, stressing his commitment to improving the welfare of residents through the Peoples Democratic Party.
