There is No Justification For South to Remain in Power Beyond 2027…..Abubakar Atiku

Atiku Argues Against Southern Presidency Beyond 2027, Citing Equity and Fairness

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has voiced strong opposition to the idea of the South retaining presidential power beyond 2027. In a statement released by his media aide, Paul Ibe, Atiku emphasized that the North deserves an opportunity to lead, given the historical imbalance in power distribution between the two regions.

Sharing his views on social media, Ibe quoted Atiku as saying, “There is no justifiable reason why President Bola Tinubu or any other Southerner should continue to hold power after 2027.” The former vice president, who was a major contender in the 2023 presidential election, argued that the South has dominated leadership for a disproportionate number of years compared to the North.

A Question of Equity and Justice

Atiku highlighted that since Nigeria’s return to democratic rule in 1999, Southern leaders have collectively held power for 17 years—spanning the administrations of Olusegun Obasanjo (eight years), Goodluck Jonathan (five years), and Bola Tinubu (projected four years by 2027). In contrast, the North has led for only 11 years, with Umaru Musa Yar’Adua serving three years before his untimely death and Muhammadu Buhari completing two terms.

“This disparity of six years underscores the need for a fair redistribution of leadership opportunities,” Atiku noted. “True equity cannot exist when one region monopolizes power for so long.”

Performance as a Factor for Reelection

Atiku also questioned the Tinubu administration’s eligibility for a second term, stating that governance should be a measure of a leader’s performance and the people’s satisfaction. “The power to decide lies with the Nigerian people, who must evaluate whether their government has earned the right to continue. Has this administration truly delivered on its promises? The answer, unfortunately, is self-evident,” he remarked.

A Call for Reflection Ahead of 2027

As discussions around power rotation intensify, Atiku’s comments have reignited debates about fairness and inclusivity in Nigeria’s political landscape. While some view his stance as a plea for justice, others argue that regional interests should take a backseat to national unity and competence in leadership.