A prominent member of the All Progressive Congress (APC) in Enugu State, Chief Osita Okechukwu, has called on Nigerians, particularly northern politicians, to allow President Bola Tinubu to complete his second term in office. Okechukwu, a former Director General of the Voice of Nigeria, made this appeal during the launch of the APC’s e-registration exercise at Eke Ward in Udi Local Government Area of Enugu State.
The APC chieftain urged former Vice President Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, who is expected to emerge as the flagbearer of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), to respect the zoning and rotational formula for the presidency. Okechukwu argued that Abubakar’s decision to contest would undermine the unity and interest of Nigeria, as he had previously benefited from the same rotation in 1999 when he became Vice President under President Olusegun Obasanjo.
According to Okechukwu, the concept of rotational presidency originated in Switzerland in 1848 and is based on good faith, equity, and a sense of belonging among different groups. He explained that Nigerian patriots adopted this approach after the military regime, with the understanding that power would shift between the north and south. Okechukwu noted that Abubakar’s actions in 2003, which breached the zoning arrangement, led to a crisis within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
The APC leader expressed concern that the ADC’s decision to throw open its presidency, disregarding the rotational arrangement, could undermine Nigeria’s democracy and peace. He emphasized that allowing President Tinubu to complete his second term would sustain the country’s economic reforms and ensure stability. Okechukwu praised Tinubu’s economic reforms, stating that the economy is recovering and that Nigerians can expect further gains in his second term.
Other participants at the e-registration exercise, including Mrs. Kate Offor and Mr. Chibuzor Onyeama, highlighted the transparency and fairness of the APC’s registration process. They expressed confidence that the 2027 elections would be free and credible, with Tinubu poised for a landslide victory. The e-registration agent, Onyeama, outlined the requirements for registration, including a National Identification Number, voter’s number, and phone number, and pledged to register more members despite some network challenges.
The call by Okechukwu underscores the ongoing debate about zoning and rotational presidency in Nigeria, with significant implications for the country’s political stability and democratic development. As the 2027 elections approach, the APC’s e-registration exercise and the discussions surrounding President Tinubu’s second term are likely to remain prominent in the country’s political discourse.
