Allow South Complete Presidential Term — Osita Okechukwu Urges Atiku

 

A founding member of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Osita Okechukwu, has urged former Vice President Atiku Abubakar to respect Nigeria’s long-standing power rotation arrangement by allowing the South to complete its presidential term before seeking the nation’s highest office. Okechukwu argued that the principle of zoning remains essential for promoting national unity, fairness and political stability. 

Speaking while reacting to Atiku’s continued 2027 presidential ambition, Okechukwu maintained that President Bola Tinubu, who assumed office in 2023, should be allowed to complete two constitutionally permitted four-year terms, just as former President Muhammadu Buhari completed eight years in office. According to him, respecting the North-South power-sharing understanding is crucial to preserving equity and strengthening Nigeria’s democracy. 

Okechukwu criticised Atiku’s position on zoning, arguing that the former vice president had previously benefited from the same political arrangement that now faces criticism. He said zoning has helped foster inclusion, reduce regional tensions and promote a sense of belonging among Nigeria’s diverse ethnic and political groups. He warned that abandoning the principle could undermine national cohesion and create unnecessary political divisions. 

The APC chieftain also dismissed suggestions that the South has enjoyed a disproportionate share of presidential power since 1999, insisting that discussions about political equity should take into account Nigeria’s broader post-independence history. He argued that assessing fairness based only on recent electoral cycles presents an incomplete picture of the country’s leadership rotation. 

Okechukwu concluded by appealing to political leaders across party lines to place national interest above personal ambition as preparations for the 2027 general election gather momentum. He maintained that honouring the zoning arrangement would reinforce public confidence in Nigeria’s democratic process and contribute to greater political stability.