The North-Central geopolitical zone of Nigeria is intensifying its campaign for the presidency in 2027, embarking on a series of high-level consultations with influential figures within the region and across the nation. This mobilization comes on the heels of a recent declaration by stakeholders and party leaders from the zone, expressing their determination to produce the next president after what they perceive as 65 years of marginalization. Their strategy involves leveraging their collective political weight to secure the top office, arguing that the North-Central possesses the necessary qualities and resources to lead the country. This nascent movement signifies a growing assertiveness within the zone, eager to break away from what it sees as a historical pattern of political exclusion.
The North-Central’s pursuit of the presidency is not unconditional. The zone has presented President Bola Tinubu with a proposition: secure their support for his re-election bid by replacing the current Vice President, Kashim Shettima, with a candidate from the North-Central. This strategic maneuver aims to guarantee the region’s representation at the highest levels of government, ensuring its voice is heard and its interests are addressed. The demand underscores the zone’s belief that it has been overlooked for too long in the power-sharing dynamics of Nigerian politics. By linking their support for Tinubu’s re-election to his choice of running mate, the North-Central is seeking to maximize its leverage in the political landscape.
A key component of the North-Central’s campaign involves engaging with prominent figures who can lend their weight and influence to the cause. A delegation from the North-Central Renaissance Movement, the group spearheading the initiative, recently met with several influential personalities, including former National Security Adviser General Aliyu Gusau, former Senator John Danboyi, and the Onah of Abaji, Alhaji Musa Baba Yunusa. These consultations are designed to build consensus and garner support for the North-Central’s presidential ambition, both within the region and across the country. The delegation emphasized the zone’s readiness to lead and its desire to be recognized as an equal player in the national political arena.
The North-Central’s claim of marginalization rests on its historical exclusion from the presidency and vice-presidency since Nigeria’s independence. The zone argues that it has been relegated to less influential positions, such as national chairmen of political parties, while other regions have consistently held the reins of power. This perceived imbalance has fueled a sense of injustice and a determination to rectify the historical disparity. The North-Central’s current push for the presidency represents a culmination of these long-held grievances, translated into a concerted effort to reshape the political landscape.
The North-Central’s argument for leadership goes beyond simply claiming its turn at the helm. The region highlights its diverse population, its strategic location at the center of the country, and its significant contributions to the nation’s economy, particularly in agriculture. These attributes, they argue, make the North-Central uniquely positioned to understand and address the complex challenges facing Nigeria. The zone’s leaders are emphasizing their capacity to bridge divides and foster unity, presenting themselves as a unifying force in a nation often characterized by regional and ethnic tensions.
The coming years will be crucial in determining the success of the North-Central’s ambitious bid for the presidency. The zone’s ability to maintain a united front, build alliances with other regions, and effectively articulate its vision for Nigeria will be crucial factors in its quest for power. The demand placed before President Tinubu regarding his choice of running mate will serve as an early test of the North-Central’s political strength and its capacity to influence national political decisions. The 2027 elections promise to be a pivotal moment in Nigerian politics, with the North-Central seeking to finally secure its place at the top table of national leadership.
