Mazi Sam Ohuabunwa, the former chairman of the National Economic Summit Group (NESG), asserted that rotating power among Nigeria's six geopolitical zones would enhance equity and justice. He noted that constitutional support for this proposal would bolster the country's democracy and address political marginalization, as reported by THE SUN.
A bill advocating for the rotation of the presidency and state governorships was introduced on June 11 by 35 House of Representatives members, identified as Reformed-Minded Legislators. They argued that this change would decrease governance costs and ensure fair representation among the six geopolitical zones.
Ohuabunwa criticized those opposed to power rotation, suggesting they wished to overlook the federal character principle, which demands fair and equitable representation of various ethnic and regional groups in government. He emphasized that each zone should have the opportunity to experience presidential power to foster inclusiveness and a sense of belonging.
He pointed out that since 1999, different regions—such as the South-West, South-South, and North-West—have held the presidency. He mentioned that the South East anticipated their turn in 2023 but was disappointed when power returned to the South West. Ohuabunwa stressed the importance of embedding rotational presidency in the constitution before 2027 to mitigate unrest and competition for power.
He said, “The South-West had it through Olusegun Obasanjo, the South-South had it through Goodluck Jonathan., the North-West had it through Muhammadu Buhari.
“The last time (2023) the South East thought it would be their turn but it was denied as power went back to the South West.
“It is a painful reality that the agreement changed and that political leaders did not keep to it. It is in the South West now and it is believed that it will probably go back to the north in 2027 if the rotational presidency is not included in the constitution.”