A political group known as the South-North Progressives Forum (SNPF) has called on the coalition led by Atiku Abubakar and Nasir El-Rufai to support a Southern presidential candidate in the 2027 elections.

The group’s leader, Onyekwulisi Ikechwuku, made this appeal during a press conference in Abuja. The event was held under the theme, “The South Deserves Another Tenure of Four Years.”

SNPF described itself as a non-partisan group with members from different political parties across the country. According to the group, their aim is to push for fairness in the country’s political structure.

Ikechwuku explained that since Nigeria adopted parliamentary democracy in 1957 and later moved to constitutional democracy in 1999, the North has led the country for 24 years, while the South has only led for 18 years. He said this shows an unfair power balance.

He emphasized the need to correct this imbalance so that every region in the country has an equal chance to lead. He also noted that the federal character principle, which ensures fair representation in government appointments and public resource sharing, doesn’t apply to elected offices like the presidency.

To solve this, Ikechwuku suggested that the constitution should include a clear rule for rotating presidential power between the South and the North. This would allow each region to take turns in producing presidential candidates and make every part of the country feel included.

As another solution, he proposed that the government pass a law requiring political parties to rotate their presidential candidates between the regions. This would help promote fairness and unity in the country.

He urged all political parties, stakeholders, and especially Atiku Abubakar’s coalition, to support zoning the 2027 presidency to the South. According to him, this would allow the South to serve another four-year term.

Ikechwuku stressed that this idea is not based on party politics, but on national interest. He believes that by allowing all regions to take turns in leadership, Nigerians will be able to vote for candidates based on merit, and the country will continue to progress.

He also promised that in 2031, the group will support a candidate from the North to show their true commitment to fairness and stability in the country.

To make this plan a success, SNPF said it has already developed a strong campaign strategy. They aim to gather at least 10 million eligible voters before 2027, with 80% of them coming from Northern Nigeria.