The founder of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), Chief Chekwas Okorie, has alleged that Northern political leaders who were against power rotation influenced the late General Sani Abacha to dismiss the proposal.
According to The Sun, Okorie revealed that the idea of creating six zonal structures in Nigeria to rotate the presidency was first introduced by the late Vice President Alex Ekwueme.
Chief Chekwas Okorie explained that Ekwueme's proposal aimed to address the long-standing issue of equitable power distribution in Nigeria.
He stated that by rotating the presidency among six geopolitical zones, the initiative sought to foster national unity and stability.
He said that the proposal intended that after 36 years of this rotational presidency system, Nigeria would achieve a stable nationhood where the origin of the president would no longer be a significant factor.
Okorie noted that the rotation policy was designed to mitigate regional tensions and create a sense of inclusion among all parts of Nigeria.
He emphasised that such a system would ensure that each region would have the opportunity to lead the country, thus reducing feelings of marginalisation and fostering a more cohesive national identity.
However, according to Okorie, the Northern political elite, who were not in favour of such a power rotation, persuaded General Abacha to reject Ekwueme’s proposal.
The APGA founder lamented that the rejection of the rotational presidency has had long-term repercussions for Nigeria.
He argued that the lack of equitable power distribution continues to fuel political instability and regional distrust.
Okorie believes that if Ekwueme's proposal had been implemented, it could have significantly altered the political landscape of Nigeria, leading to a more balanced and harmonious federation.
He said, ''It was Ekwueme who proposed six zonal structures for Nigeria for the rotation of the presidency. The idea was that Nigeria would have attained stable nationhood by the time the rotation went round in 36 years.
"So it would not matter anymore where the President comes from. However, the provision was dropped. It was well debated, adopted, and recommended.
"However, the northern political elite that didn't want power rotation advised Abacha against it. They went to Abacha and told him to come up with another committee to review the recommendations of the conference. It was at that point that the brilliant suggestion was dropped.''