The long-standing debate over Nigeria’s power rotation deal exploded back into national focus on Tuesday, as influential voices from the North ranging from political heavyweights and technocrats to traditional rulers and civil society leaders, gathered in Kaduna. The high-profile summit, hosted by the Sir Ahmadu Bello Memorial Foundation at the symbolic Arewa House, marked a critical review of President Bola Tinubu’s two-year report card.
Under the banner “Assessing Electoral Promises: Fostering Government-Citizen Engagement for National Unity,” the two-day parley was a melting pot of northern perspectives—and a reality check on the political temperature ahead of 2027.
Tinubu’s Turn, Not Yours—Yet
Representing President Tinubu, Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, sent a clear signal: the North must wait until 2031 for another shot at the presidency. Citing an unwritten yet politically sacred rotation principle established in 1999, Akume said, “Let’s be patient. Nigeria won’t vanish before 2031. When it’s our turn, the whole nation will know.”
Akume’s comments were met with nods from parts of the North and South. But they also struck a nerve.
Middle Belt, Afenifere Back the Call
The Middle Belt Forum’s president, Bitrus Pogu, supported Akume’s stance, noting that although power rotation isn’t law, it’s a pact worth respecting for the sake of unity. He added a sobering note: Nigeria is still shackled by its ethnic divisions and in dire need of a radical shift toward merit-based leadership.
Meanwhile, Afenifere threw its full weight behind the SGF’s message, praising his candor and warning Northern politicians eyeing 2027 to cool their engines. “This isn’t about entitlement, it’s about equity,” said the group’s organizing secretary, Kole Omololu. Afenifere also applauded the administration’s infrastructural efforts, including refinery revamps and economic corridor rail lines, but cautioned that transparency, not propaganda, must drive communication.
Not So Fast: LP, NNPP Push Back
On the other side of the aisle, opposition parties pushed back. The NNPP’s spokesperson, Ladipo Johnson, argued that if the Tinubu administration could abandon religious balancing with its Muslim-Muslim ticket, no one should now preach the gospel of zoning.
The Labour Party echoed that sentiment. “It’s not about region; it’s about competence,” said Dr. Ayo Olorunfemi, its Deputy National Chairman. For the LP, leadership should transcend geography.
Babachir Lawal Unleashes
Former SGF Babachir Lawal was more-blunt. He accused the APC of hypocrisy for advocating zoning now after discarding it in 2023. “They opened Pandora’s box,” Lawal said. “Now they want to act like there are rules again? It doesn’t work that way.”
APGA and PDP Weigh In
APGA announced it would back a southern candidate, insisting it’s the region’s turn. However, the PDP struck a more combative tone. Spokesman Debo Ologunagba said Nigerians, not zoning formulas, would decide Tinubu’s fate and predicted they’d vote him out in 2027.
Kwankwaso in the Crosshairs
As debate intensified, former APC deputy spokesman Yekini Nabena went after Rabiu Kwankwaso, accusing him of stoking Northern resentment by alleging the South was hoarding federal projects. Nabena claimed the Tinubu administration had actually poured more funds into Northern initiatives and said attempts to pit regions against each other “won’t fly this time.”
A Nation on Edge
The Kaduna dialogue may have wrapped, but the political aftershocks are only just beginning. With voices sharpening on both sides of the North-South divide, Nigeria stands on the brink of a potentially defining moment in its democratic journey.
As 2027 looms, the real question isn’t just who will run but what kind of country Nigeria wants to become.
“As the 2027 race heats up, where do you stand on Nigeria’s power rotation debate? Join the conversation—your voice matters.”
