Zoning Debate Rages as Northern Leaders Assess Tinubu’s Midterm Record

• Zoning Debate Rages as Northern Leaders Assess Tinubu’s Midterm Record.

• Akume and others urged patience, but opposition parties and leaders disagreed.

• The 2027 elections may test Nigeria’s political zoning and unity.

The debate over Nigeria’s power rotation escalated Tuesday as northern leaders, traditional rulers, technocrats, and civil society groups gathered in Kaduna to assess President Bola Tinubu’s administration two years in.

EDITOR’S PICKS 

• Hailey Bieber Clears Air on $1 Billion Rhode Sale
• Presidential Jet Returns After Repaint In South Africa
• Osimhen Finally Set for €75m Permanent Galatasaray Move

EKO HOT BLOG reports that the meeting, held at Arewa House and organised by the Sir Ahmadu Bello Memorial Foundation, drew prominent northern figures and focused on governance and equity.

Representing the President, Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, urged the North to respect the unwritten agreement on power rotation, stating the presidency should remain in the South until 2031. He referenced past leaders who upheld zoning for national stability.

Middle Belt Forum leader Bitrus Pogu backed the power shift, calling it vital for coexistence, while lamenting ethnic politics and calling for inclusive governance. Afenifere also supported Akume, commending his emphasis on rule of law and transparency, and warning northern politicians against premature 2027 ambitions.

However, dissenting voices emerged. NNPP’s Ladipo Johnson criticised the zoning principle, citing Tinubu’s Muslim-Muslim ticket as already breaking precedent. Labour Party’s Ayo Olorunfemi echoed this, stressing competence over region.

Former SGF Babachir Lawal condemned Akume’s stance, accusing Tinubu’s camp of hypocrisy for enforcing a broken agreement. APGA backed a southern presidency but distanced itself from any opposition coalition. The PDP said Nigerians would judge Tinubu at the polls in 2027, citing failed governance.

APC chieftain Yekini Nabena dismissed Kwankwaso’s criticism of southern project bias, calling it divisive. He maintained the South must complete eight years in power and warned against using ethnic sentiments for political gain.

As the 2027 election looms, the zoning debate may reshape Nigeria’s fragile political balance.

FURTHER READING

• Trump Accuses Biden Administration of Planting His Name in Epstein Files
• Stop the Tragedies — Tinubu Calls for Action on Waterway Safety
• Floods Drive Hippos Into Homes, Farmlands in Adamawa