Former Kano State Governor and ex-Senator Ibrahim Shekarau has called on Nigerians to shift focus from a president’s regional origin to their credibility and competence in future elections, starting from 2027.

Speaking on Channels TV’s Sunday Politics, Shekarau dismissed debates over the president’s region as irrelevant to governance, emphasizing the need for political parties to field qualified candidates.

“Our focus should be on the quality of candidates presented by the parties. If all the choices are flawed, Nigerians will be forced to pick the least harmful option,” he said.

Shekarau also addressed the current state of the nation, urging the Bola Tinubu-led administration to revisit its policies, particularly in light of recent nationwide protests.

“The protests against bad governance were a strong, unified message from Nigerians. It wasn’t a regional issue but a national concern. The Federal Government must go back to the drawing board and reassess its strategies,” Shekarau said.

The protests, sparked by harsh economic conditions following the removal of fuel subsidies and the naira’s flotation, began on August 1. While initially peaceful, they escalated, leading to property destruction, particularly in northern Nigeria.

Shekarau’s comments underscore the growing public discontent and the demand for credible leadership and effective governance in Nigeria.