Former Governor of Kano State, Senator Ibrahim Shekarau, has called for a shift in focus from regional zoning to the credibility of presidential candidates as Nigeria approaches the 2027 elections.

Speaking on Channels TV’s Sunday Politics, Shekarau emphasized that the origin of a candidate should not overshadow their qualifications and ability to lead.

Shekarau, who served as the Governor of Kano State from 2003 to 2011 and is a member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), stated, "Nigerians should be bothered about the credibility of their president instead of where he comes from." He urged political parties to prioritize presenting candidates based on merit rather than regional affiliations.

The former governor highlighted the recent protests against bad governance as a national issue, not confined to any particular region. "The last protests on the end of bad governance is a clear message. The agitation was not a regional, state affair. It was a national matter," Shekarau remarked, referencing the demonstrations that erupted on August 1 due to economic hardships following the removal of fuel subsidies and the naira's devaluation.

In addition to his stance on zoning, Shekarau also expressed support for the introduction of State Police to address security challenges across Nigeria. During an appearance on Channels Television’s Politics Today, he stated, "I have always agreed with the view that there is a need to create an outfit at the state level down to the local government level."

His comments come in the wake of discussions among Nigeria's 36 governors, most of whom have shown support for state-controlled policing. This move aims to enhance security measures tailored to the specific needs of each state and region.