2027: NORTH-SOUTH PRESIDENCY ROTATION SACROSANCT! AKUME IS RIGHT — SOUTH MUST COMPLETE ITS EIGHT-YEAR TENURE, SAYS AMB. TSOKEN
APC-IGG National President Backs SGF, Warns Against Breach of Political Trust and National Cohesion
By Amb. Musa Muhammed Tsoken, CWSA, FPPA, FCIPDM
PhD Human Security and Counter-Terrorism (In View)
National Coordinator, Asiwaju Again Renewed Hope Support Initiative 2027
National President, APC Initiative for Good Governance (APC-IGG)
The National Coordinator of the Asiwaju Again Renewed Hope Support Initiative 2027 and National President of the APC Initiative for Good Governance (APC-IGG), Amb. Musa Muhammed Tsoken, has thrown his weight behind the position of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Sen. Dr. George Akume, CON, that the rotation of presidential power between Northern and Southern Nigeria remains sacrosanct in the interest of fairness, equity, and national cohesion.
Tsoken described Akume's position as a timely and statesmanlike intervention, insisting that Nigeria's unwritten power-sharing arrangement remains a critical pillar of democratic stability and peaceful coexistence among the country's diverse ethnic, religious, and regional groups.
He maintained that the principle of rotational presidency, which has shaped Nigeria's political calculations since the return to democratic rule in 1999, represents an important understanding among the country's political stakeholders that no section of the country should monopolise presidential power at the expense of others.
THE KADUNA PACT: A PILLAR OF NATIONAL UNITY
Reflecting on the historical foundations of the arrangement, Tsoken recalled the political understanding reached by national leaders in Kaduna in 1999, which established the convention of alternating presidential power between the North and South in eight-year cycles.
According to him, the arrangement was conceived as a practical expression of political fairness and a means of strengthening national integration in a country characterised by considerable ethnic, religious, and regional diversity.
He argued that although presidential rotation is not expressly provided for in the Nigerian Constitution, the convention has remained an influential feature of the country's democratic evolution.
"The principle of rotational presidency is bigger than partisan interests. It speaks directly to fairness, mutual respect, national inclusion, and the confidence of every region that it has a legitimate place in the Nigerian project," Tsoken declared.
He added that abandoning the understanding without broad political consensus could deepen suspicion, undermine trust, and generate unnecessary tension among the country's political constituencies.
2027: WHY THE SOUTH MUST COMPLETE ITS TENURE
Tsoken particularly endorsed Akume's appeal to Northern presidential aspirants to respect the established power-sharing convention ahead of the 2027 general election.
He noted that former President Muhammadu Buhari's administration, which lasted from 2015 to 2023, completed eight years in office under Northern leadership.
Consequently, he argued that the South should be allowed to complete its corresponding eight-year presidential cycle under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, whose administration commenced in 2023 and, under the rotational arrangement being advocated, would run through 2031.
According to Tsoken, attempting to displace the South's turn in 2027 would raise serious questions about political consistency, fairness, and the spirit of the understanding that has helped manage Nigeria's regional sensitivities.
He stressed that the issue should not be reduced to a contest between political personalities or parties, but treated as a question of national responsibility and respect for the country's established political conventions.
"Allowing the South to complete its eight-year tenure is a matter of fairness, equity, and political trust. Nigeria's unity is strengthened when political leaders demonstrate that agreements designed to promote inclusion will be respected," he said.
He, however, acknowledged that rotational presidency remains a political convention rather than an explicit constitutional requirement, emphasising that its continued relevance depends on the willingness of political leaders to uphold the principles of equity and national cohesion.
APC-IGG, RENEWED HOPE INITIATIVE BACK AKUME
Reaffirming his organisations' commitment to good governance and the Renewed Hope Agenda, Tsoken declared the full support of the APC Initiative for Good Governance and the Asiwaju Again Renewed Hope Support Initiative 2027 for Akume's position.
He commended the SGF for what he described as courage, clarity, and a strong commitment to preserving Nigeria's political stability at a critical period in the nation's democratic journey.
Tsoken also emphasised the importance of sustained cooperation among the Federal Government, state governments, and local governments in addressing the country's immediate economic challenges while pursuing long-term development objectives.
He maintained that national progress requires political stability, responsible leadership, effective governance, and the willingness of stakeholders across regional and partisan lines to place the collective interest of Nigeria above narrow political calculations.
According to him, the Renewed Hope Agenda can achieve greater results in an atmosphere of political understanding, national unity, and constructive engagement among all tiers of government.
A CALL TO NORTHERN POLITICAL LEADERS
The APC-IGG National President urged Northern political leaders and presidential aspirants to give serious consideration to Akume's position, stressing that respect for the rotational convention would send a positive signal about the country's commitment to fairness and inclusive governance.
He argued that Nigeria's strength lies in its ability to accommodate different interests while ensuring that every region feels recognised and respected within the federation.
Tsoken further maintained that political ambition should not be pursued in ways that could undermine the delicate balance of trust among the country's major regional blocs.
He called on political stakeholders to approach the 2027 elections with patriotism, restraint, and a clear understanding that national unity remains more important than individual political ambitions.
2027 AND THE FUTURE OF NIGERIA
As political activities gather momentum ahead of the next general election, Tsoken reiterated that the North-South power-sharing convention remains a significant instrument for promoting political stability and strengthening confidence in Nigeria's democratic process.
He urged political leaders to prioritise national cohesion, respect for established political understandings, and the preservation of peaceful coexistence.
For Tsoken, the central message is clear: political competition must not come at the expense of national unity, and the principles of fairness and inclusion must remain central to Nigeria's democratic future.
He concluded by reaffirming his organisations' support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's administration and calling on Nigerians to work collectively towards a more united, prosperous, and politically stable nation.
"Long live the Federal Republic of Nigeria!
Long live President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's Renewed Hope Administration!"
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