NewStats: 3,263,727 , 8,181,170 topics. Date: Saturday, 07 June 2025 at 03:01 PM 555q2z

By Luminous Jannamike

IMAGINE the vibrant chaos of Lagos’ Oshodi market, where traders pause mid-bargain and their voices drop to hushed tones as they trade rumours of a political earthquake. From Kano’s bustling streets to Port Harcourt’s lively waterfronts, Nigerians are abuzz with one question: Will the North’s audacious push for a North Central president in 2027 heal a fractured nation or ignite a fierce battle for power?


A formidable coalition of Northern leaders has rallied behind this plan, driven by frustration with President Bola Tinubu’s leadership, particularly his Muslim-Muslim ticket, which many see as skewing Nigeria’s delicate regional and religious balance.

For everyday Nigerians; traders, teachers, civil servants, and students navigating economic hardships and political divides, this move sparks both hope and scepticism. Is it a genuine call for fairness, or a calculated bid to reclaim control? As North and South stand at odds, Nigeria teeters on the edge of unity or deeper division, with the future of its democracy hanging in the balance.

A nation torn apart

Nigeria is a kaleidoscope of cultures, ethnicities, and faiths, woven together by a shared dream of prosperity but strained by a history of regional rivalry. For decades, power has oscillated between the North and South, guided by an unspoken pact to balance representation. Yet, Southerners have long argued that the North holds an unfair advantage—more federal appointments, more infrastructure projects, more political clout. President Tinubu’s Muslim-Muslim ticket, pairing him with a Northern vice president, has poured fuel on this smouldering discontent. To many in the South, it’s a ‘scam,’ a betrayal of Nigeria’s commitment to inclusivity that sidelines Christians and marginalises entire regions.

“One of the major concerns raised by Northerners is the perceived ‘scam’ of a Muslim-Muslim ticket, which suggests that the current istration is not representative of the entire country,” an insider said.

The North, however, is not backing down. In a striking display of unity, Northern leaders have coalesced to champion a candidate from the North Central region for the 2027 presidential election.

This region, comprising states such as Benue, Plateau, and Kogi, has never produced a president since Nigeria’s democratic return in 1999. The choice is bold and unexpected, raising questions that ripple across the nation: Why North Central? Who is steering this coalition? And is this a genuine effort to bridge Nigeria’s divides, or a strategic countermove against Tinubu’s growing within the All Progressives Congress, APC? For Nigerians juggling rising costs and political uncertainty, the answers could shape their future.

Tensions rise, voices clash

The South’s grievances are deeply rooted, etched in decades of perceived inequities. From the allocation of oil revenues to the distribution of federal jobs, many Southerners believe the North has long enjoyed disproportionate influence. The Muslim-Muslim ticket has amplified these frustrations, seen as a symbol of exclusion in a nation where religious and regional balance is sacrosanct.

“Nigeria deserves leaders who mirror its diversity,” a Southern politician declared, capturing the sentiment echoing through Lagos, Enugu, and Port Harcourt. For many, Tinubu’s leadership feels like a step away from the rotational presidency that once promised fairness.

“For years, there has been a growing sentiment among the Southern part of Nigeria that the North has been favoured in of political representation and development. This feeling has only been amplified by recent events and decisions made by the government,” a key Northern leader said.

The North, however, sees a different story. Rather than retreating under Southern criticism, Northern leaders have doubled down, framing their push for a North Central candidate as a commitment to equity.

“We hear the South’s complaints, but fairness means every region must have its turn,” a Northern stakeholder explained.

North Central, with its rich ethnic tapestry: Tiv, Igala, Nupe, and more, and its lack of presidential representation, is a strategic choice. It’s a region often overshadowed by the North West and North East, which have produced multiple presidents, from Umaru Yar’Adua to Muhammadu Buhari.

By elevating the North Central, the coalition signals a desire to reshape Nigeria’s political narrative. But is this a sincere gesture of inclusivity, or a clever tactic to rally Northern votes while deflecting accusations of dominance? For Nigerians grappling with soaring fuel prices and unreliable power, the question cuts deep: Will this bring a government that serves all?

Dr Hakeem Baba-Ahmed, a respected Northern voice, steps forward, his words sharp and unwavering.

“In the next six months, the North will decide where it stands. If the rest of the country wants to us, fine”, he noted.

The North Central’s diversity, spanning states with varied ethnic and religious identities, makes it a potent symbol of unity, a potential bridge across Nigeria’s fractured regions. It’s a direct challenge to Tinubu’s camp, which is mobilising the APC’s formidable machinery for his re-election bid.

The coalition’s choice is both strategic and symbolic, aiming to counter perceptions of Northern dominance while addressing the South’s cries for fairness. But unanswered questions linger, gripping the nation: Who will this candidate be? Can they rally a divided country where trust is a rare commodity? For Nigerians; market traders, civil servants, and students, the stakes are personal. They yearn for a leader who understands their struggles, from paying school fees to navigating economic hardship. This moment leaves Nigeria poised between transformation and turmoil, with every region and voter weighing their next move.

The coalition’s declaration sends shockwaves across Nigeria, sparking a whirlwind of reactions. In the North, many celebrate, seeing it as a triumph of fairness.

Saleh Mandung Zazzaga, a North Central APC leader, hails the move as a step towards justice but also calls on Tinubu to prove he’s a leader for all Nigerians:

“This has not only been agitating the people’s mind, but the of the APC as well, and it is not good for the wellbeing of the party as the Nation counts down to the 2023 general election,” Zazzaga said.

Yet, not all Northerners are on board. Hardliners from the North West and North East, regions accustomed to wielding presidential power, question whether North Central is ready for the spotlight. “It’s a bold but risky choice,” a Kano-based politician said.

“Can they hold the North together?” In the South, reactions are sharply divided. Some see a glimmer of hope. “If the North is serious about inclusivity, this could change things,” a Lagos-based lecturer noted. Others remain unconvinced, viewing the coalition as a rebrand of Northern dominance.

Tinubu’s allies mount a swift defence

Senator Shehu Sani, a vocal er, argues that the South deserves to complete its term.

Sani said: “In the interest of equity, the South should be allowed to complete the eight-year presidential term.”

Governor Abdullahi Sule echoes this, urging Nigerians to give Tinubu time to deliver on his promises. The pushback underscores a deeper tension: the North’s move challenges the South’s claim to an eight-year presidency, a principle rooted in Nigeria’s rotational tradition.

For Nigerians facing daily challenges, like rising food costs and power outages, the debate is more than political, it’s about whether the next leader will address their struggles. The coalition’s plan risks deepening Nigeria’s divides even as it promises unity. Will it inspire cooperation, or fuel a fiercer battle for power?

A vision for a united Nigeria

As the political storm subsides, Nigeria confronts a pivotal question: Can it rise above its historical divides? The North’s push for a North Central president is a bold attempt to rewrite the nation’s story, giving a voice to a region long sidelined.

North Central clerics including Bishop David Usman and Imam Aliyu Rabiu Lawal capture this aspiration.

“They argued that there was the need for other parts of Nigeria to consider the call for the North Central to produce Nigeria’s next president in the interest of fairness and equity,” a statement from the clerics shared.

https://www.vanguardngr.com/2025/06/norths-bold-plan-for-2027-unity-or-power-grab/

Is North Central part of that North?

There is nothing like North (united) as far as 2027 is concerned . what we have is North Central (also called Middle Belt), North West and North East.
Those clowns forming coalition aren't even sure of winning just 1 geoplitical zone out of 3 in the North talk more of the entire South (minus South East sha cos those ones can betray).

I saw the Sudan situation play out in Nigeria, God help Nigeria.

kettykin:
I saw the Sudan situation play out in Nigeria, God help Nigeria.

It's already playing out if the daily killings in Benue, Plateau, Southern Kaduna, Adamawa and Zamfara are anything to go by

These northern politicians are worse than Satan and Devil.

They put their children in Catholic school from primary school to secondary school and then encourage poor people to put their own kids in Quran recitation school or better still throw the children to the street to beg for food

.. After Pa EMILOKAN don complete his 8 years,dey are FREE to drag it.Evfn ALAGULU OF AGULU LAND IS FREE TO CONTEST

Whatever is said, if the opposition do not unite, they had better not blame INEC for any result they see in 2027.

Fielding a northerner in 2027 is undiluted madness.
Political parasites who cannot survive outside of government positions and handouts.

Tinubu's MUMU ticket has shown that the federal character discussion only works to disadvantage the South.

At this rate, we should be having Christian-Christian and Southern-Southern tickets.
Since all of una wan mad completely.

Just imagine a Peter Obi and Yemi Osinbajo presidency.
Just imagine an Akinwumi Adeshina and Raji Fashola presidency.

We have carried the North along for far too long and they have always messed up the privilege.

We should start boldly sidelining them.

Nobody has the monopoly of craze.

You guys still thinking you are in 80s or even 90s.. "people eyes don open" everyone now knows his brothers and sisters, (north centres)
as it stands today, determination of nos 1 man in Nigeria, no longer in the hands of Fulani-north, (that you guys called north) it has since moved to South West.

Mtscheeeu!!

Must everything centre around ethnicity, religion or where you come from??

Ordinary Nigerians are suffering from hopelessness and poverty made worse by this government and you think it is not normal to demand for a change?

APC had no vision, no purpose, no masterplan and no clue on what to do to move Nigeria forward.

If the North will be able, let them kick the CIA Asset out of power ASAP!

Power grab.

The North does not consider unity

Buhari really bastardized this nation and handed it over to Tinubu. So the north should sit down and rest.

2027 can't seem to arrive here soon enough for many ppl.

kettykin:
I saw the Sudan situation play out in Nigeria, God help Nigeria.

Very soon. We need Odua Republic. But before then, let the drumbeat continue. We keep dancing until we get tired. Nigeria is never a united country.

helinues:
Is North Central part of that North?

No, they are not.

yns4real:


https://www.vanguardngr.com/2025/06/norths-bold-plan-for-2027-unity-or-power-grab/

Contrary to popular opinion the presidency should go to the north in 2027 for all fairness but people will roast me for this.

Obj did 8 years
Goodluck did 6 years
BAT 4 years

Thats 18 years total as opposed to the north with 2 years Yar’adua and 8 years Buhari making 10 years.

If the presidency goes to the north for two it will bring north and south to 18 years each and balances out.

Oya you people can start the insults

Bobloco:

AGBOTIKUYO 1 OF AGULU GO BE PRESIDENT 2048.For now,Emilokan till 2031 .

All these vituperations and permutations are in the writer's mind. There is nothing like a North Central candidate when Atiku has been told by his marabouts that he will rule Nigeria, or when El-Rufai - that committed the worst massacre of Christians in Southern Kaduna and he is on a vengeful path, will allow a candidate from the North Central to be the North's presidential candidate.

The writeup is just a figment of the writer's imagination or he is a paid hatchet man hired to test the waters that he himself know cannot happen. You have to learn to read between the lines.

yns4real:


https://www.vanguardngr.com/2025/06/norths-bold-plan-for-2027-unity-or-power-grab/

The insensitivity of Tinubu caused everything. You put everyone in extreme hardship and you want people to remain calm. Only APC or those benefitting from this government will continue to it. How can you whip me and tell me not to cry. You remove subsidy so as to cushion the effect of excessive borrowing and within such period of time, you have broken the record for the most borrowing president ever. Where are the money saved from subsidy? They have turned it to private properties.

It's nothing but power grab.

Bukola saraki/peter obi

flokii:
There is nothing like North (united) as far as 2027 is concerned . what we have is North Central (also called Middle Belt), North West and North East.
Those clowns forming coalition aren't even sure of winning just 1 geoplitical zone out of 3 in the North talk more of the entire South (minus South East sha cos those ones can betray).

There has never been a united north. It is a myth! That is why they have never won an election without colllaborators in the south despite having more numbers than the south.


The North has always had distinct blocks and ideologically different politically , 1) the NW sokoto/kaduna block NPC, NPN, PDP, 2) the Kano block Aminu Kano, kwakwasinya etc, PRP, NNPP and 3) the north east or Borno block GNPP, ANPP. Traditionally they have never voted the same way. It is only of recent where there is no political ideology thag the lines have become a bit blurred. One reason the NW block has prevailed is because they have always managed to co-opt the middle belt and when southern alliances are needed they traditionally turn to the SE/SS but recently the SW.

Politically when people say “the North”, what they really mean whether the realise it or not is the NW. in reality their power comes from control or alliances with old middle belt and old eastern regions and it’s remnants today not because they have the strength in the North. The so called “North” is in practicality primarily principal actors from the NW.

Northerners are extremely competitive when it comes to power tussel. They won't do that, agreement is agreement..8years is 8years. After 8years, dont dare them cos they won't agree. And to the South eastherners, Don't be deceived by anyone (expecially your own politicians) promising you presidency after Baba don complete his 8 years tenor.

Northerners can't stay out of power beyond 8 years.

Hmmmm...2027

flokii:
There is nothing like North (united) as far as 2027 is concerned . what we have is North Central (also called Middle Belt), North West and North East.
Those clowns forming coalition aren't even sure of winning just 1 geoplitical zone out of 3 in the North talk more of the entire South (minus South East sha cos those ones can betray).

Am sure Southeasterners never betray you before.

They can't be the cause of whatever issue you face.
Deal with your issues, and leave the entirety of an ethnicity alone.

Timmi:
All these vituperations and permutations are in the writer's mind. There is nothing like a North Central candidate when Atiku has been told by his marabouts that he will rule Nigeria, or when El-Rufai - that committed the worst massacre of Christians in Southern Kaduna and he is on a vengeful path, will allow a candidate from the North Central to be the North's presidential candidate.

The writeup is just a figment of the writer's imagination or he is a paid hatchet man hired to test the waters that he himself know cannot happen. You have to learn to read behind the lines.

I was reading to know who the proposed North central presidential candidate is. Maybe na Yaya Bello

Every section of the country have right to vie for the position of president. The position is not reserved for any particular zones or tribe. Tinubu ed Fulani Buhari against Jonathan from the south