…Says Zoning Key to Nigeria’s Peace and Unity
By Abu Adamu
Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri of Adamawa State has declared that the 2027 presidential election should remain in the South, urging northern politicians, including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, to shelve any ambitions until 2031 in the interest of national unity and stability.
Fintiri, who recently defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC), made his position known during an appearance on Channels Television’s Sunrise Daily programme.
According to the governor, while the constitution permits any qualified Nigerian to contest for office, the principle of rotational presidency should be respected to sustain peace and foster a sense of belonging across regions.
“There is no business of anybody in the North to do with the presidency at the moment. It is the turn of the South; they should complete their eight years, if we are really serious about this country. It should rotate so that we will all be our brother’s keeper,” Fintiri said.
His comments come amid renewed speculation over the political future of Atiku, the 2023 PDP presidential candidate, who has since joined the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in pursuit of his long-standing presidential ambition.
Fintiri, however, threw his weight behind President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, insisting that the South should be allowed to complete a full eight-year tenure in line with Nigeria’s informal zoning arrangement.
“If there is no other candidate, we should support Bola Tinubu to complete his tenure. After all, he has done so much. He initiated good policies that are working and showing us light at the end of the tunnel,” the governor stated.
He argued that the stability of Nigeria’s political system depends on adherence to power rotation, warning that abandoning the arrangement could heighten regional tensions.
Addressing concerns about his relationship with Atiku, who holds the traditional title of Waziri of Adamawa, Fintiri dismissed suggestions of a fallout, saying political differences have not strained personal ties.
“I still have a good relationship with him; nothing has gone wrong. It is just that everybody has taken their political ways. I am today in the APC; they are in another party,” he said.
The governor maintained that the focus for northern politicians should be on strengthening their political bases ahead of 2031, reiterating that 2027, in his view, is reserved for the South if Nigeria is to preserve fairness, balance, and national cohesion.