By Damiete Braide
Chief Ehie Aimienwauu, President of A-100 (the Conference of All Former Governorship Aspirants in South-South) and a former governorship aspirant in Edo State under the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), has called for strict adherence to the unwritten agreement that power alternates between the North and the South every eight years.
He warned that any attempt to disrupt the arrangement would be unpatriotic, divisive, and a threat to the nation’s stability.
Do you agree that rotational presidency is desirable in Nigeria?
The concept of rotational presidency, though not enshrined in Nigeria’s 1999 Constitution, has long been regarded as a ‘gentleman’s agreement.’ It seeks to ensure fairness and inclusivity by giving both the North and South an equal opportunity to lead. This arrangement has been key to maintaining unity in the country. There is an agreement that the presidency will rotate between the North and South—eight years apiece. For anyone to argue that the North should produce the president in 2027 is not only unpatriotic but also divisive and destabilising.
The South supported former President Muhammadu Buhari’s two terms, so, the South’s turn has only just begun under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and must be respected until 2031.
What are the economic and social implications of rotational presidency?
Rotational presidency is linked to the broader issue of equity in Nigeria’s resource distribution. Resources generated in Southern states, such as crude oil and Value Added Tax (VAT) from Lagos, are shared to develop Northern states that produce comparatively less. This disparity is only tolerable under the spirit of mutual respect and understanding fostered by the rotational presidency.
Those from the South, who are advocating for an open contest in 2027, under the guise of democracy should be regarded as saboteurs, democracy must also respect agreements that promote inclusivity and national cohesion. I commend Senator George Akume, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), for affirming that the presidency should remain in the South until 2031. Senator Akume is right. He is a man of honour and principle, speaking the truth that has been agreed upon and practiced. I, therefore, call on Southerners across political divides to rally behind Akume’s position and resist any attempts to undermine the agreement. Any Southerner supporting North’s clamours for the presidency in 2027 is a saboteur and an enemy of the South.
What are the challenges to the agreement?
Northern politicians, who are already positioning themselves for the presidency in 2027 are not sincere. The North cannot produce the next president because it is the South’s turn. They do not have the numbers unless they intend to destabilise the system entirely. They used similar tactics to derail former President Goodluck Jonathan’s second term. The North started this game, even at the swearing-in ceremony of the current President. They should wait for their turn.
This arrangement ensures that every region feels represented and included. It is not about individuals but about groups within the country having a fair opportunity to aspire to leadership. Abandoning the agreement would lead to further marginalisation and resentment. No group should dominate or emasculate the other.
How would you rate President Tinubu so far?
Despite the challenges facing the country, President Tinubu’s efforts at implementing structural reforms must be commended. The financial autonomy granted to local governments and the decentralisation of power generation are significant achievements. These are meaningful changes that will have long-term impacts.
The decentralisation of power generation is particularly critical for a country of Nigeria’s size. A national grid is synonymous to national security. Power must be decentralised to ensure availability, sustainability, and affordability.
I, therefore, call on Nigerians to be patient and support the President in addressing the country’s challenges. The President needs commendation, not criticism. Let him concentrate on governance so that Nigerians can reap the benefits of his administration.