2027: Forum Pushes for Southern Presidency

The South-North Progressive Forum has unveiled a nationwide drive calling for the presidency to rotate equitably between Nigeria’s two regions. The group argues that retaining the South’s hold on the presidency for 2027 will foster fairness and bolster national unity.

At a press conference in Abuja on Sunday, SNPF chairman Festus Onyekwulisi highlighted the North’s historical dominance in the office and urged corrective action. He noted the need to address long-standing regional imbalances before the next election cycle.

“Our analysis of Nigeria’s political history reveals that the North has held the presidency for about 24 years while the South has only had 18. Giving the South another four years in 2027 will correct this imbalance and strengthen Nigeria’s democratic spirit of inclusion.”

Onyekwulisi insisted that citizen engagement must extend beyond elite negotiations on zoning arrangements. He explained that the forum has established grassroots structures in over 30,000 communities and appointed coordinators tasked with mobilising 10 million votes for a Southern candidate.

The organisation’s guiding principle of “rightful defection” encourages voters to prioritise competence, equity and credibility over strict party allegiance. SNPF maintains that this approach will secure broader public endorsement of regional power-sharing.

While firmly backing a Southern presidency in 2027, the forum also pledged to support a Northern candidate in 2031 as part of its commitment to balanced rotation. Onyekwulisi described this promise as essential to reinforcing Nigeria’s integration.

The forum urged all political parties—particularly the African Democratic Congress—to enshrine equitable zoning policies in their constitutions. It insisted that internal party arrangements should mirror the principles of fairness and mutual respect.

In addition to its call on power rotation, SNPF demanded legislative reform to convert the Federal Capital Territory into a full state. Citing the Supreme Court’s ruling on Abuja’s constitutional parity, the group proposed that the territory gain a governor, three senatorial districts, representation in the House of Representatives and increased federation allocations.

SNPF concluded by appealing to government institutions, civil society and voters nationwide to back its campaign. The forum warned that only through deliberate, balanced power sharing can Nigeria uphold the democratic values of inclusion and unity.