Former Kaduna Central Senator, Shehu Sani, reflects on the legacy of former President Muhammadu Buhari, northern political sentiment, and the dynamics ahead of the 2027 elections.
According to Sani, Buhari’s death sparked an unprecedented wave of public emotion ranging from deep empathy to intense anger.
“Never in our history has a former president’s death evoked such equal parts of praise and resentment,” Sani said.
“This generation, especially Gen Z, reacts with unfiltered emotions. Leaders now must realize they will be judged not only in office but even in death.”
He emphasized that unlike former leaders such as Yar’Adua or Shagari, Buhari’s polarizing legacy created a sharp divide in public perception.
Sani believes Buhari was the last northern leader to command absolute grassroots devotion. Comparing him to the late Aminu Kano, he said no one since has matched Buhari’s ability to inspire people to sacrifice financially and even with their lives.
“His supporters once believed he had all the answers. But unmet expectations eventually turned to disillusionment.”
He added that today, northern voters are less likely to show blind allegiance again.
“No one wants to be stoned or cursed like Buhari was in death. People have learned their lesson.”
Sani described Buhari as an honest man trapped in a corrupt system.
“He had integrity, no doubt. But integrity alone can’t run a country. He surrounded himself with people who didn’t share his vision or values. That was his biggest mistake.”
He contrasted Buhari’s modest lifestyle with the unchecked corruption around him.
“He had no businesses, no wealth, just a few homes. But governance demands more than personal ethics. You need competent, principled allies too.”
Sani predicts that despite Buhari’s absence, President Tinubu will perform strongly in the North during the 2027 elections.
“Tinubu doesn’t have Buhari’s cult following, but he faces no serious opposition yet. His toughest challenge is the backlash over subsidy removal.”
He explained that while people blame Tinubu, the real issue is public misunderstanding.
“The funds from subsidy removal are now being used by governors to build roads and schools. Yet people criticize Tinubu while praising their governors for spending the same money.”
Sani also criticized opposition tactics in the North. “Some are stoking ethnic sentiments, claiming Tinubu favors the South. But under Buhari, northern leaders held major positions and still failed to solve the region’s problems.”
Sani doesn’t believe the African Democratic Congress (ADC) poses a real challenge in 2027.
“Peter Obi is the only ADC candidate with organic support, but he lacks delegate control to win a primary against Atiku. If Atiku wins the ticket, the South may rally behind Tinubu.”
He added “If Obi somehow gets the nomination, many northern voters will still support Tinubu. The political math doesn’t currently favor the ADC.”
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