The Speaker of the Jigawa State House of Assembly believes northern Nigeria owes President Bola Tinubu a debt at the polls in 2027. His reasoning stretches back to 2015, when Tinubu's political machinery helped Muhammadu Buhari win the presidency after earlier defeats. Because the North once stood behind Buhari, the Speaker argues, the region should now stand behind Tinubu and deliver votes for a second term. He framed the president as a leader who has kept faith with the North and deserves the region's backing in return. The remarks have stirred debate, with critics calling it politics dressed up as gratitude. Supporters counter that loyalty in Nigerian politics has always been transactional and that Tinubu has earned his reward. With 2027 still some distance away, comments like these show the contest is already taking shape behind closed doors.