Loyalists of Peter Obi and Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso have intensified calls for the adoption of a Southern presidential candidate by opposition parties, deepening ongoing debates around coalition-building and zoning ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The development comes amid broader efforts by opposition figures to form a united front capable of challenging the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in the next election cycle. However, divisions remain among key opposition parties over whether the presidential ticket should be zoned to the North or the South.
Parties such as the African Democratic Congress (ADC), New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP), and Social Democratic Party (SDP) have expressed differing positions on the issue, reflecting the complexity of negotiations within the opposition bloc.
The National Publicity Secretary of the ADC, Bolaji Abdullahi, stated that the party is not committed to zoning but is instead focused on the electoral viability of potential candidates. His position underscores a merit-based approach that contrasts with calls for regional balancing.
The renewed push for a Southern consensus candidate follows a high-level political meeting held in Ibadan, where opposition leaders across multiple platforms reportedly explored the possibility of presenting a unified presidential candidate in 2027.
The gathering was attended by prominent figures, including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, Obi, Kwankwaso, and former Rivers State Governor Rotimi Amaechi, among others.
Sources indicate that discussions at the meeting centred on strategies to consolidate opposition strength and avoid vote fragmentation, which has historically weakened opposition chances in national elections. The participants reportedly resolved to work towards presenting a single candidate capable of mounting a strong challenge against President Bola Tinubu.
However, the move has sparked mixed reactions within political circles. While some stakeholders see coalition-building as a necessary step toward a more competitive political environment, others argue that internal divisions and conflicting interests may hinder the success of such an alliance.
Speaking on the matter, the National Coordinator of the Obidient Movement Worldwide, Yunusa Tanko, and the National Publicity Secretary of the Obi–Kwankwaso Movement, Justin Ijeh, emphasized the importance of adhering to Nigeria’s informal zoning arrangement.
Tanko argued that the demand for a Southern presidential candidate is rooted in fairness and the need to maintain national balance. He noted that the current presidency is already held by a Southerner, suggesting that any transition or replacement within the same political cycle should remain within the region.
“Yes, we are concerned about the zoning,” Tanko said. “That was why we’ve been asking the ADC to zone the presidency to the southern part of this country, considering the simple fact that the presidency has been zoned to the South.”
He added that continuity within the zoning framework would help sustain political stability and reinforce trust among different regions of the country.
“As you speak right now, what we have is a southern presidency. So, once you have a southern president, it simply means that even if there is going to be a replacement for the existing president, it should come from the South for them to complete their tenure,” he said.
Tanko further pointed out that Obi has aligned with this position, indicating a willingness to serve only a single four-year term if elected, as a way of balancing regional interests.
“I think it is only fair to do that. And that was why Mr. Peter Obi has also agreed that he’s going to do only four years,” he added.
Despite these arguments, the lack of consensus among opposition parties highlights the challenges of forging a unified strategy ahead of 2027. While some leaders prioritize zoning as a tool for equity, others are more focused on candidate strength and electoral competitiveness.
Analysts say the outcome of these debates could significantly shape the political landscape in the coming years, particularly if opposition parties succeed in forming a coalition.
As discussions continue, the question of zoning is expected to remain a central issue, reflecting broader tensions between regional balance and merit-based selection in Nigeria’s evolving democratic process.
