North to Choose 2027 Presidential Candidate in Six Months, Baba-Ahmed Reveals

Hakeem Baba-Ahmed, a prominent northern political figure, announced on April 19, 2025, that northern leaders will finalize their preferred presidential candidate for the 2027 elections within six months, aiming to unify the region’s voting bloc. 

Speaking at a policy summit in Kaduna, Baba-Ahmed, a former Labour Party vice-presidential candidate, stressed that the decision would prioritize economic recovery and security over party loyalty. The north, with 19 states and 60% of the national vote, seeks to reclaim the presidency after President Bola Tinubu’s 2023 southern victory, per Vanguard. Baba-Ahmed hinted at consultations with groups like the Arewa Consultative Forum but did not endorse specific candidates.

The announcement follows tensions within the All Progressives Congress (APC) and Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), with northern figures like Atiku Abubakar and Rabiu Kwankwaso eyeing runs. Analysts suggest the north’s choice could hinge on addressing banditry and poverty, which affect 40 million residents, per World Bank data. Critics argue the six-month timeline risks premature polarization, as southern parties demand equitable power-sharing. Posts on X showed northern optimism but skepticism about elite-driven decisions.