Supporters of former Anambra State Governor, Peter Obi, and former Kano State Governor, Rabiu Kwankwaso, have insisted that equity demands that the presidency should remain in the South in 2027.
Naija News reports that the National Coordinator of the Obidient Movement Worldwide, Yunusa Tanko, and the National Publicity Secretary of the Obi–Kwankwaso Movement, Justin Ijeh, said zoning remained important for fairness and national balance.
Tanko, in an interview with Punch, said the demand for a southern presidential ticket was based on the fact that the current presidency is already zoned to the South.
He said, “Yes, we are concerned about the zoning. That was why we’ve been asking for the presidency to be zoned to the southern part of this country, considering the simple fact that the presidency has been zoned to the south.
“As you speak right now, what we have is a southern presidency. So, once you have a southern president, it simply means that even if there is going to be a replacement for the existing president, it should come from the south for them to complete their tenure.
“I think it is only fair to do that. And that was why Mr Peter Obi has also agreed that he’s going to do only four years.”
Tanko said Obi would likely emerge as the consensus candidate if the opposition adopts a southern ticket.
According to him, the former Labour Party presidential candidate enjoys strong support across the country, especially among young Nigerians.
He said, “Oh, of course. That is because he’s the most popular candidate in the country at the moment. I’m being humble about it, and I thank God for it. He’s the most popular, especially among the youth. Anywhere he goes, he is adored.
“Let me give you an instance. We were on our way to Ibadan the other day, and we passed through the international and local airports. You need to see the kind of love and euphoria people showered on him. It was amazing.
“The whole hall was agog with Nigerians shouting ‘Obi, Obi, Obi.’ It was so emotional for him and for some of us who are following him. So that is to tell you the kind of love and support Nigerians are ready to give this man.”
‘Zoning Promotes Balance’ – Ijeh
Ijeh also defended zoning, describing it as a practical tool for ensuring balanced representation in Nigeria.
He said, “While it is not embedded in the Nigerian constitution, and while competence and character are the gold standard for leadership ideally, zoning is a pragmatic approach to balanced representation and equity in a multipolar society like Nigeria.
“It has been practised as a convention since the return of democratic rule. Certain politicians, however, may choose to play to the gallery about it when their personal interests and ambitions are not favoured by it.
“In the current calculus for Nigeria, given our very recent political trajectory, it only makes sense for the zoning principle to be applied and for the presidency to remain in the South, in keeping with that convention. Anything else sets the country up for divisive complications in the near-term future, and nobody needs that.”
