Why are you running for president in 2027 as a Northerner instead of backing a Southern candidate for power rotation?

Question: Why are you running when many people believe that it is the turn of the South and do you believe in the power rotation principle? Answer: The idea of power rotation became a subject of debate during the 1995 Constitutional Conference, which I was a member of, alongside other prominent Nigerians, including the late Dr. Alex Ekwueme. I didn’t agree with Dr. Ekwueme’s suggestion that the six regional blocs should be given recognition in the proposed constitution. The democratization process is a living concept, and looking into our experience thus far and the imbalance in the rotation of political power from 1999 till date, I believe that we should give a constitutional backing to the idea of rotational presidency. There are three blocs, each from both the North and the South, and so far, one major bloc from each zone has benefitted from the zoning principle. So, the imbalance is self-explanatory, and it is part of the issues we must revisit in our attempt at restructuring the country. My decision to contest in 2027 is particularly hinged on the spectacular failure of the Bola Tinubu administration. This is a government that has brought the worst cost of living crisis ever. Nigerians are struggling to survive and businesses are shutting down in proportions never seen before. Our democracy would not live up to its meaning if the scandal of the Tinubu administration is not challenged. I have a better plan to revive the economy through policies that are specifically designed to restore vitality to the economy and make life affordable again for Nigerians.

Question: Would you support zoning when it doesn’t personally benefit you and, if elected, would you support a Southern candidate to succeed you? Answer: I am not sure that there has been any politician in Nigeria who has made more sacrifice than me to protect the principle of power rotation. In the 1993 presidential election that produced the infamous June 12 crisis arising from the annulment of the presidential election, I withdrew from the race to create a path for the late Chief MKO Abiola to emerge as the candidate of our political party in that election. Similarly, in 2003, an overwhelming number of governors of the then-ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) attempted to prevail on me to jettison my support for President Olusegun Obasanjo and, instead, run for president myself. I declined their offer; I believed it was contrary to the zoning principle. If I am elected president in 2027, I would raise the bar of governance in Nigeria. It will be certain that only people with credible credentials—either from the South or North—will be bold enough to present themselves to succeed me.

You asked a fair question, and I won't dodge it. I believe we should give constitutional backing to rotational presidency, because looking at our experience since 1999, the imbalance between North and South is self-explanatory. But my decision to contest in 2027 is hinged on the failure of the Tinubu administration, which has brought the worst cost-of-living crisis Nigerians have seen. Our democracy would not live up to its meaning if that scandal goes unchallenged. I have a better plan to make life affordable again.

I have made my position on this clear by my actions, not just my words. In 1993, I withdrew from the race to create a path for Chief MKO Abiola. In 2003, I turned down the chance to run for president myself because I believed it was contrary to the zoning principle, even when an overwhelming number of governors urged me to. I believe we should give constitutional backing to the idea of rotational presidency, so that the imbalance between zones is corrected, not repeated.

I believe in the power rotation principle, and I have made real sacrifices for it, in 1993, I withdrew from the race to create a path for Chief MKO Abiola, and in 2003 I turned down governors who wanted me to abandon my support for President Obasanjo because it would have gone against zoning. On the imbalance since 1999, I believe we should give constitutional backing to rotational presidency so this is settled properly. My decision to contest in 2027 is hinged on the state of the economy under the Tinubu administration, and I believe I have a better plan to make life affordable again for you.

I believe in the idea of power rotation, and I have said we should give it constitutional backing. Looking at our experience since 1999, I see an imbalance in how political power has rotated between North and South, and I believe correcting that imbalance is part of what we must revisit in our attempt at restructuring the country. I have also said the Southeast and Northeast must work together, within a pan-Nigerian project, to lead negotiation for correcting this power-sharing imbalance, neither zone can achieve it alone.

I have made real sacrifices for power rotation before, stepping aside in 1993 for Chief MKO Abiola, and in 2003 refusing to run against President Obasanjo because it would have broken the zoning principle. If elected in 2027, I would raise the bar of governance so that only people with credible credentials, from the South or North, would be bold enough to seek to succeed me.