The South North Progressive Forum (SNP-Forum) has called on Northern leaders to support a Southern candidate in the 2027 presidential election, emphasizing the importance of power rotation for national unity and fairness.
In an open letter addressed to the Northern Political Consultative Group (NPCG) and signed by its National Coordinator, Onyekwulisi Festus, the SNP-Forum urged the North to consider the long-term benefits of zoning the presidency to the South. The letter referenced historical imbalances, noting that the North has held the presidency for 24 years compared to the South's 18 years since Nigeria’s democratic journey began in 1957.
The NPCG had earlier announced plans to reveal its preferred candidate for the 2027 presidential election. The SNP-Forum, however, cautioned that overlooking the South could fuel sentiments and potential consequences that would not be in the country’s best interests.
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.”
The SNP-Forum further argued that a Southern candidate, with the backing of the Northern group, could effectively represent and protect the interests of all regions, citing former President Goodluck Jonathan’s administration as an example of Southern leadership that prioritized national unity.
The letter continued: “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.”
The SNP-Forum concluded by urging the NPCG to weigh the long-term advantages of power rotation in fostering a harmonious and inclusive political atmosphere as the country heads toward the 2027 elections.
