Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has once again stirred political debate with his stance on Nigeria’s power rotation principle, reigniting discussions about zoning ahead of the 2027 general election.
During the 2023 election cycle, Atiku, a leading figure in the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), contested for the presidency despite the party’s long-standing zoning arrangement. The principle, widely adopted across major political parties, is designed to ensure a balance of power between Nigeria’s northern and southern regions. His decision to run after the eight-year tenure of former President Muhammadu Buhari, also from the North, triggered internal divisions within the PDP and contributed to the party’s challenges at the polls.
In a recent interview with Charles Aniagolu, Atiku revisited his earlier justification, arguing that he is not obligated to follow the North-South rotation formula. He claimed that, since 1999, the South has cumulatively held power for a longer period than the North. However, critics have questioned the accuracy and fairness of this claim, describing it as politically selective.
Observers point out that the North’s shorter time in office was largely influenced by unforeseen circumstances, particularly the death of former President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua, which led to the succession of Goodluck Jonathan. Many analysts argue that this development should not be used to dismiss the broader zoning agreement that has helped maintain political balance in the country.
With President Bola Ahmed Tinubu currently serving his term, proponents of zoning insist that the South should complete its turn before power shifts again.
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As political alignments begin to take shape ahead of 2027, Atiku’s position continues to generate mixed reactions, raising fresh questions about equity, political strategy, and the future of Nigeria’s democratic framework.
