The leader of the prominent northern think tank Arewa Summit International, Dr. Bashir Lamido, has called for a structured rotational presidency system, advocating that all major political parties field South West candidates in 2027 followed by South East candidates in 2031.
Speaking at a high-level political dialogue on zoning and national cohesion in Abuja on Friday, Lamido emphasized this approach would strengthen national unity.
“For the sake of equity, national integration, and the stability of our democracy, we believe the South West should present all presidential candidates in 2027. Then, come 2031, the South East – which has long awaited its turn – should be given the full platform to produce the next president,” he stated.
The proposal comes amid ongoing debates about power rotation in Nigeria’s political landscape. Lamido clarified that the recommendation isn’t exclusionary but aims to establish a fair precedent.
“This is not just about politics. It’s about healing, trust-building, and showing every Nigerian that they belong to the same nation,” he explained. Addressing potential northern concerns, Lamido noted: “People may ask, what about the north? It should be the turn of the north in 2031. They forget that the North has spent more years leading the country than any other region.”
The Arewa Summit International leader stressed the need for regional balance, adding: “It is just right to balance the leadership across the regions. We are only hoping that in 2031, the South East should be extended same national compliments as we are hopeful to do for South West in 2027.”
