*urges them to consider long-term benefits of power rotation
A group, South North Progressive Forum (SNP-Forum) has asked Northern leaders to throw their weight behind a Southern candidate for the 2027 presidential election.
In an open letter to the Northern Political Consultative Group (NPCG), the SNP-Forum canvassed reasons why Northern leaders should support a Southern presidential candidate.
The NPCG had recently said it will soon make public its position on which candidate to support in the 2027 presidential election.
But the SNP-Forum in a letter signed by its National Coordinator Onyekwulisi Festus, urged the Northern Leaders to consider the long-term benefits of power rotation and the potential sentiments with the associated consequences of not zoning their candidate to the South.
The letter read in part, “We appreciate your proactive engagement in Nigeria’s political landscape and acknowledge your commitment to promoting regional interests. However, we would like to respectfully propose a crucial consideration for your planned candidate in the 2027 general elections.
“As you may be aware, the South has had limited tenure in Nigeria’s democratic leadership, with only 18 years of presidential representation against the 24 years by the North since the parliamentary democracy of 1957 to the constitutional democracy of 1999. In the spirit of promoting national unity, equity, and fairness, we humbly request that you consider zoning your candidate to the South. This gesture would not only foster a sense of inclusivity but also contribute to a more balanced distribution of power.
“We believe that a Southern candidate, backed by your group’s influence, could effectively represent and protect the interests of all regions, including the North. The precedent set by former President Goodluck Jonathan’s administration demonstrates that a Southern leader can prioritize national unity and regional concerns.
“By supporting a Southern candidate, you would not only be promoting a sense of national cohesion but also ensuring that the South has a fair opportunity to contribute to Nigeria’s leadership. This move would likely garner significant support from Southern stakeholders and potentially strengthen your group’s position in Nigerian politics.
“We urge you to consider the long-term benefits of power rotation and the potential sentiments with the associated consequences of not zoning your candidate to the South. As we approach the 2027 elections, we believe that a commitment to equity and fairness would be a strategic move, promoting a more harmonious and inclusive political environment.”
