A Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) chieftain in Ogun State, Segun Sowunmi, has argued that political power should remain in Southern Nigeria beyond 2027 to preserve national stability and honour an unwritten rotational understanding.
Speaking on Monday at the “Guest Forum” organised by the Correspondents Chapel of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) in Abeokuta, Sowunmi said Nigeria’s history as a union of the former Northern and Southern Protectorates makes it important for leaders to respect established political rhythms.
Sowunmi, a former spokesperson for Atiku Abubakar during the 2023 presidential campaign, said that although he holds Atiku in high regard, the current political moment requires recognising the expectation that the South should retain the presidency.
He noted that since the North held power for eight years under former President Muhammadu Buhari, many Nigerians believe the South should continue with the presidency in the current cycle, despite internal political disagreements within the region.
He warned that any attempt to return power to the North in 2027 could heighten tensions, especially among Southern and Middle Belt groups that view power rotation as a matter of fairness.
“I love Atiku, but I am afraid he’s a man who does not understand the concept of seasons and time,” Sowunmi said. “If he understands seasons and time, he would know that an amalgamated country of Southern and Northern Protectorates must run on a pendulum system. When it swung to the North, Buhari did his eight years. Now it has swung to the South.”
