In a bold and strategic move ahead of Nigeria’s 2027 general elections, the South-North Progressive Forum (SNPF), a prominent advocacy group, has called on all registered political parties, including the African Democratic Congress (ADC), to zone their presidential tickets to Nigeria’s southern region. This call was made by the group’s Chairman, Mr. Festus Onyekwulisi, during a high-profile news conference in Abuja, which also marked the launch of a nationwide campaign aimed at ensuring a southern president emerges in 2027. The event underscored the group’s commitment to addressing long-standing issues of power distribution, national unity, and electoral integrity in Nigeria.
The SNPF’s campaign is not merely a political maneuver but a clarion call for fairness, equity, and justice in Nigeria’s political landscape. In addition to urging political parties to zone their presidential tickets to the South, the group has also made a compelling appeal to the National Assembly to enact legislation that would formalize the rotation of elective positions across Nigeria’s geopolitical zones. Such a law, the group argues, would institutionalize a balanced and equitable system of governance, ensuring that no region dominates key political offices to the detriment of others.
Addressing Historical Power Imbalance
At the heart of SNPF’s advocacy is the need to correct what it describes as a historical imbalance in the distribution of political power in Nigeria. According to Onyekwulisi, since Nigeria gained independence in 1960, the northern region has held the presidency for a cumulative total of 24 years, while the southern region has occupied the position for 18 years. This disparity, the group contends, necessitates deliberate action to ensure fairness and equity in the allocation of political leadership.
The SNPF argues that zoning the presidency to the South for another four-year term in 2027 is not only a matter of balancing the scales but also a critical step toward reinforcing the principles of federal character, national cohesion, and unity. “This is not about mere politics; it is about national integration, equity, justice, and fairness,” Onyekwulisi emphasized during the press conference. He stressed that allowing the South to produce the next president would demonstrate Nigeria’s commitment to inclusivity and equitable representation, fostering a sense of belonging among all regions.
The group’s call for a southern presidency is rooted in the belief that Nigeria’s diversity, while a source of strength, must be managed carefully to prevent marginalization and promote unity. By advocating for a rotational presidency, the SNPF seeks to ensure that no single region monopolizes power, thereby reducing tensions and fostering a more harmonious national polity.
A Grassroots Movement for Change
Beyond its advocacy for a southern presidency, the SNPF has unveiled an ambitious plan to mobilize grassroots support for its cause. The group aims to secure at least 10 million votes for a southern presidential candidate in the 2027 elections. This target, Onyekwulisi noted, reflects the group’s determination to build a broad-based coalition that transcends regional, ethnic, and religious divides.
To achieve this goal, the SNPF has launched a nationwide sensitization campaign designed to combat voter apathy and address electoral malpractices. The group recognizes that voter turnout and the integrity of the electoral process are critical to achieving its objectives. By engaging citizens across Nigeria’s 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory, the SNPF hopes to create a groundswell of support for its vision of a southern presidency.
“There must be a conscious mobilization to ensure that millions of citizens across southern states as well as the 19 northern states actively buy into this idea,” Onyekwulisi declared. He emphasized that the campaign is not limited to the southern region but seeks to build a national consensus that will influence voting patterns in 2027. The group’s efforts include community outreach programs, town hall meetings, and partnerships with civil society organizations to educate voters on the importance of equitable representation.
The SNPF’s grassroots strategy also involves addressing systemic issues that have historically undermined Nigeria’s electoral process. Voter apathy, which has plagued previous elections, is a key focus of the group’s sensitization efforts. By raising awareness about the importance of active participation in the democratic process, the SNPF hopes to empower citizens to take ownership of their political future. Additionally, the group is working to curb electoral malpractices such as vote-buying, rigging, and intimidation, which have often distorted the will of the electorate.
A Call for Legislative Reform
One of the most significant aspects of the SNPF’s campaign is its call for the National Assembly to enact legislation that would formalize the rotation of elective positions. The group believes that constitutionalizing the rotational presidency would provide a legal framework for equitable power-sharing, reducing the potential for regional domination and political instability.
The concept of rotational presidency has been a subject of debate in Nigeria for decades, with proponents arguing that it promotes inclusivity and prevents the marginalization of certain regions. The SNPF’s push for legislative action reflects a broader desire to institutionalize this practice, ensuring that it becomes a permanent feature of Nigeria’s democratic system. Such a law, the group argues, would strengthen the principles of federal character enshrined in the Nigerian Constitution and promote a sense of fairness among the country’s diverse population.
Onyekwulisi stressed that the absence of a formal rotational system has contributed to political tensions and perceptions of marginalization in certain regions. By codifying the rotation of elective positions, the National Assembly can help address these concerns and create a more stable and inclusive political environment. The SNPF has vowed to engage lawmakers, policymakers, and other stakeholders to build support for this legislative reform.
Combating Divisive Politics
In addition to its advocacy for a southern presidency and legislative reform, the SNPF has issued a stern warning to politicians against exploiting divisive issues to secure votes in 2027. Onyekwulisi specifically cautioned against the use of insecurity, hunger, religious, and ethnic sentiments as tools for political manipulation. He argued that such tactics undermine national unity and erode public trust in the democratic process.
“Nigerians will vote according to their conscience in 2027,” Onyekwulisi asserted. He expressed confidence that the electorate is becoming increasingly discerning and will reject candidates who rely on divisive rhetoric or exploitative strategies. The SNPF’s campaign is designed to promote issue-based politics, encouraging voters to focus on candidates’ policies, track records, and commitment to national unity.
To further its vision of a united and equitable Nigeria, the SNPF has introduced a novel political philosophy termed “Rightful Defection.” This concept allows non-partisan individuals to freely support a southern presidential candidate of their choice, regardless of their previous political affiliations. The philosophy is aimed at fostering a sense of collective responsibility and encouraging citizens to prioritize national interest over partisan loyalty.
By promoting “Rightful Defection,” the SNPF seeks to create a flexible and inclusive political environment where individuals can align with candidates who share their values and vision for Nigeria’s future. This approach is particularly significant in a country where party loyalty often overshadows ideological considerations, and it underscores the group’s commitment to redefining Nigeria’s political culture.
Positioning for 2027
As the 2027 elections approach, the SNPF is positioning itself as a formidable force in Nigeria’s political landscape. The group’s campaign for a southern presidency is not merely a call for regional representation but a broader movement for justice, equity, and national integration. By combining grassroots mobilization, legislative advocacy, and a commitment to issue-based politics, the SNPF aims to shape the outcome of the 2027 elections and influence Nigeria’s political trajectory for years to come.
Onyekwulisi emphasized that the group’s efforts are driven by a deep sense of patriotism and a desire to see Nigeria thrive as a united and prosperous nation. “We are quietly leading the building of a national consensus that would impact the voting pattern in 2027,” he said. The SNPF’s campaign is designed to resonate with Nigerians from all walks of life, transcending regional and ethnic divides to create a shared vision for the country’s future.
The group’s focus on mobilizing 10 million votes reflects its belief in the power of collective action. By engaging citizens at the grassroots level, the SNPF hopes to create a movement that is both inclusive and impactful. The group’s simultaneous efforts to combat voter apathy and electoral malpractices underscore its commitment to strengthening Nigeria’s democratic process and ensuring that the will of the people is reflected in the outcome of the 2027 elections.
Challenges and Opportunities
While the SNPF’s campaign is ambitious, it is not without challenges. Nigeria’s political landscape is complex, with deep-rooted regional, ethnic, and religious divisions that have historically shaped electoral outcomes. Convincing political parties to zone their presidential tickets to the South may face resistance, particularly from northern politicians who may argue that their region deserves continued representation.
Additionally, the group’s call for legislative reform will require significant political will and consensus-building among lawmakers. Enacting a law to formalize the rotation of elective positions is a complex process that may encounter opposition from those who benefit from the current system. However, the SNPF’s emphasis on national unity and fairness could resonate with a broad cross-section of Nigerians, creating momentum for change.
The group’s grassroots mobilization efforts also present both opportunities and challenges. While the target of securing 10 million votes is ambitious, it is achievable given Nigeria’s large population and the growing appetite for equitable representation. The SNPF’s focus on combating voter apathy and electoral malpractices could help galvanize citizens who have become disillusioned with the political process, creating a groundswell of support for its cause.
A Vision for Nigeria’s Future
The SNPF’s campaign for a southern presidency in 2027 is a bold and visionary effort to address longstanding issues of power distribution and national unity in Nigeria. By advocating for legislative reform, mobilizing grassroots support, and promoting issue-based politics, the group is laying the foundation for a more equitable and inclusive political system.
At its core, the SNPF’s message is one of hope and unity. The group believes that by correcting historical imbalances and fostering a sense of fairness, Nigeria can overcome its challenges and build a brighter future for all its citizens. The call for a southern presidency is not about favoring one region over another but about creating a system where every Nigerian feels represented and valued.
As the 2027 elections draw nearer, the SNPF’s campaign is likely to gain traction, particularly among those who share its vision of a united and prosperous Nigeria. The group’s emphasis on grassroots mobilization, legislative reform, and ethical politics positions it as a key player in shaping the country’s political future. Whether it achieves its goal of securing a southern presidency in 2027 remains to be seen, but its efforts are already sparking important conversations about equity, justice, and national cohesion in Nigeria.
In conclusion, the South-North Progressive Forum’s call for a southern presidency in 2027 is a multifaceted campaign that combines advocacy, mobilization, and a commitment to systemic reform. By addressing historical imbalances, promoting legislative change, and engaging citizens at the grassroots level, the SNPF is working to create a more equitable and united Nigeria. As the nation prepares for the 2027 elections, the group’s efforts will undoubtedly play a significant role in shaping the political discourse and influencing the choices of millions of Nigerians.
