A former governor of Rivers State, Rotimi Amaechi, asserts that the power-sharing agreement between northern and southern Nigeria ought to be honored, and he has stated that he would serve only one term if given the opportunity to lead the nation in 2027.
When questioned about whether he would commit to a single term if he were the candidate for the newly established African Democratic Congress (ADC) in 2027, he responded, “Certainly. I have mentioned this before. You are aware that I express my thoughts candidly.”
Amaechi further remarked, “If I were not going to serve more than four years, I would openly declare that. Conversely, if I intended to serve beyond four years, I would also make that clear.”
Nigeria operates under an informal power-sharing arrangement between the North and South, alternating the presidency between the two principal regions. President Bola Tinubu, hailing from the South-West, assumed office in 2023, succeeding Muhammadu Buhari from the North-West, who completed an eight-year term.
As the nation prepares for the elections in 2027, discussions regarding power rotation have taken center stage.
The newly formed coalition, which comprises prominent political figures, has not yet disclosed which region it intends to designate for the presidency.
However, when asked about the ADC’s stance on zoning and whether it would contemplate a southerner serving a single four-year term in 2027, Amaechi replied, “Absolutely, absolutely. Allow me to explain.
“For the time being, given the current state of Nigeria, it is imperative to adhere to that agreement—an unwritten agreement—that stipulates South eight years, North eight years.”
The former minister reminisced about his efforts to restore power to the North in 2015, expressing his belief in the necessity of power sharing between the two primary regions of the country.
“I spearheaded the opposition against the PDP government. Why? Because there was a consensus that the government at that time would serve for four years. However, after four years, the government defaulted on this agreement, and I asserted that this was unacceptable.
Such a situation would lead to extreme instability, as the North would respond.
“Therefore, the most prudent course of action is to support a northern candidate to maintain the equilibrium of power.
