The push for Nigeria’s top seat took a new dimension over the weekend as the North-Central Renaissance Movement (NCRM) demanded that the presidency be zoned to the region in 2027, cautioning political parties that any attempt to sideline the zone would attract electoral consequences.
Addressing journalists in Abuja, the convener of the movement, Professor K’tso Nghargbu, said it was unjust that the North-Central, which comprises Niger, Kogi, Benue, Plateau, Nasarawa, Kwara States and the FCT, has never produced an elected president or vice president since independence despite its sacrifices for national stability.
“It is our duty and responsibility to state clearly that the North-Central geopolitical zone seeks, requests, and demands that political parties cede their presidential ticket to our region. Patronising us means having our votes. Despising us means losing our votes,” Nghargbu declared.
He stressed that the zone is uniquely positioned to bridge Nigeria’s growing political fault lines and heal tensions between elites in the far North and the South.
Citing leaders from the region, Nghargbu noted that figures like Dr. Gbenga Olawepo-Hashim of the Peoples Democratic Party had already signaled interest to contest on the PDP platform, while encouraging other credible aspirants from the zone to step forward.
“The North-Central is blessed with enormous political resources and human capital. We are capable of addressing Nigeria’s leadership challenges and driving unity at this critical time,” he added.
The group further backed the inclusion of independent candidacy in the Nigerian Constitution, describing it as a necessary reform to end the stranglehold of “money drunk and godfather drunk” political parties.
“Independent candidature is one of the answers Nigeria needs. It checks the excesses of political parties that deny genuine aspirants a chance,” Nghargbu stated.
With the 2027 elections drawing closer, the NCRM maintained that zoning the presidency to the North-Central is not only about fairness but also about securing peace, unity, and stability for the country.
