The 2007 Nigerian presidential election was a pivotal moment in the country’s history, marking the first time power was transferred from one civilian government to another. The election saw several prominent Northern politicians, including Atiku Abubakar (Action Congress), Muhammadu Buhari (ANPP), and Ibrahim Babangida (PDP), contest the presidency. These politicians, all from the North, were seen as strong contenders, with Atiku Abubakar being a former Vice President and a seasoned politician, Muhammadu Buhari a former military ruler and Head of State, and Ibrahim Babangida also a former military ruler and Head of State. Despite their individual strengths, they ultimately yielded to Umaru Yar’Adua, who was the PDP candidate.
This was largely due to the zoning arrangement, an unwritten agreement to rotate the presidency between the North and South. The zoning arrangement was a key factor in the election, with the North seeking to reclaim the presidency after eight years of Southern rule under Olusegun Obasanjo. The arrangement was seen as a way to promote national unity and ensure that each region had a turn in the top office. The zoning arrangement was not a new concept in Nigerian politics, as it had been practiced in the past, albeit informally, to balance the country’s regional interests.
The zoning arrangement was a crucial factor in the election, as it allowed the North to present a united front and rally behind a single candidate, Umaru Yar’Adua. The arrangement also ensured that the South, which had held the presidency for the previous eight years, would yield to the North and support Yar’Adua’s candidacy. This was not because the South did not have capable candidates, but rather as a show of respect for the zoning arrangement and to allow the North to take the helm. The zoning arrangement was seen as a way to promote national unity and stability, and it was widely respected by politicians from both regions.
In the spirit of this arrangement, Southern politicians, including those in the PDP, ANPP, and other parties, largely rallied behind Yar’Adua, allowing him to win the election. This was a remarkable display of political maturity and statesmanship, as many Southern politicians put the interests of the country above their personal ambitions. Some notable Southern politicians contested the election but ultimately yielded to Yar’Adua, demonstrating their commitment to national unity and the zoning arrangement.
The 2007 election was a significant moment in Nigerian history, as it showed that the country was capable of transferring power peacefully and democratically. The election also highlighted the importance of the zoning arrangement, which has continued to shape Nigerian politics to this day. As Nigeria looks ahead to 2027, there are calls for Northern politicians to emulate the spirit of 2007. This time, it’s suggested that they should yield to a Southerner, Asinuba Tinubu, who not only stands to benefit from this arrangement but also played a crucial role in sustaining it in 2007 by providing a platform for Atiku Abubakar, former Vice President, under the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN).
This would involve Northern politicians, including those who may be interested in running, to rally behind Tinubu and support his candidacy. This would be a significant gesture of unity and respect, and would demonstrate their commitment to the zoning arrangement and national unity. It would also be a powerful demonstration of their commitment to democratic principles and the rule of law.
It would be a remarkable display of political maturity and statesmanship if Northern politicians were to sponsor only candidates from the South, allowing them to take the helm. This would be a fitting tribute to the legacy of late President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua and the zoning arrangement, which has helped to promote national unity and stability. The names of Atiku Abubakar, late President Muhammadu Buhari and others who contested in 2007 serve as a reminder of the importance of putting national interests above personal ambition.
Nigeria can continue to build on the precedent set in 2007, promoting a culture of respect, unity, and rotation of power. This would be a significant step forward for the country, and would demonstrate its commitment to democratic principles and national unity. The zoning arrangement has been a crucial factor in Nigerian politics, and it is hoped that it will continue to shape the country’s future and promote national unity and stability.
President Tinubu’s chances of securing a second term appear strong, largely due to the factors that have worked in his favor. One key aspect is the cooked-up political propaganda surrounding the Muslim-Muslim ticket, which has largely backfired. Nigerians have seen through the divisive rhetoric and recognized that the President’s policies and actions are geared towards the betterment of all, regardless of tribe or religion.
The President has proven to be a man of the people, and his inclusive approach to governance has won over many hearts. Christians, who were initially skeptical about his ticket, are now leading his reelection campaigns, a testament to his ability to bridge the country’s religious divide. This shift in dynamics has left his distractors looking embarrassed, as their attempts to create divisions have been met with resounding failure.
The complexity of Nigerian society is well-known, but President Tinubu has demonstrated an understanding of the intricacies of politics and religion. By focusing on the needs of the people and delivering on his promises, he has built a broad coalition of support that transcends regional and religious lines. As the country looks ahead to the next election, it’s clear that the President is well-positioned to secure a second term, and his opponents are struggling to find a way to catch up.
As a Nigerian from the North, I strongly believe that the power rotation policy should be respected, allowing President Tinubu to continue beyond 2027. This stance is not driven by regional loyalty, but by a desire to maintain Nigeria’s unity and indivisibility. The North has historically dominated critical positions in government, yet has failed to address key sectors such as farming and mineral exploitation, leading to widespread poverty and insecurity. It’s time for a change in approach, and respecting the power rotation policy is a step in the right direction.
I am surprised and disappointed that some Northern politicians, who have been in power since 1999 and have failed to deliver meaningful development to the region, are now suddenly vocal about patriotism and opposing President Tinubu’s continuation. This is a classic case of shifting blame and lacking accountability. The North’s problems are not solely the result of Southern dominance, but also of internal failures and lack of effective leadership. These politicians have had their chance to make a difference, and they’ve failed.
The zoning arrangement is not a perfect system, but it’s a pragmatic approach to managing Nigeria’s diversity and promoting national cohesion. By respecting the power rotation policy and supporting President Tinubu, Nigerians can take a crucial step towards building a more united and prosperous nation. This is not a regional issue, but a national one, and it’s time for all Nigerians to put the country’s interests above personal and regional ambitions.
The concept of zoning, as an unwritten agreement to rotate power among different regions, has been a crucial factor in Nigeria’s political landscape. This arrangement has been instrumental in promoting national unity, stability, and peace, by ensuring that each region has a turn in the top office. As Karl Marx noted, “The ruling ideas of each age have ever been the ideas of its ruling class.” In Nigeria, the zoning arrangement has helped to mitigate the dominance of one region over others, promoting a sense of belonging and inclusiveness.
Aristotle’s notion that “injustice arises when equals are treated unequally” is particularly relevant in the Nigerian context, where regional and ethnic tensions have often threatened national unity. The zoning arrangement has helped to address these concerns by ensuring that power is distributed fairly and equitably among the regions. This has helped to promote a sense of justice and fairness, which is essential for national development and progress.
In Nigeria’s complex political system, zoning has been a pragmatic approach to managing diversity and promoting national cohesion. By rotating power among regions, zoning has helped to reduce the intensity of competition for power and promoted a sense of shared citizenship. This has been particularly important in a country with over 250 ethnic groups and a history of regional tensions. As the country looks ahead to 2027, the zoning arrangement remains an important tool for building bridges and promoting national unity.
The current complex political system in Nigeria requires innovative approaches to address the challenges of diversity and promote national development. Zoning, as an unwritten agreement to rotate power, has been a crucial factor in promoting national unity and stability. Atiku Abubakar’s struggles in 2023, after eight years of President Muhammadu Buhari’s rule, can be attributed to the fact that the zoning arrangement had already been fulfilled with Buhari’s eight-year tenure. The North had had its turn, and it was time for the South to take the helm. Abubakar’s candidacy, despite being a Northerner, was seen as a challenge to this arrangement, which may have contributed to his difficulties.
The zoning arrangement should continue beyond 2027, as it has proven to be an effective tool for promoting national unity and stability. Allowing President Tinubu, a Southerner, to continue in office would demonstrate Nigeria’s commitment to this arrangement and promote a sense of belonging, justice, and fairness among all regions. As Aristotle noted, “The whole is more than the sum of its parts,” and Nigeria’s diversity can be a strength, rather than a weakness, if managed effectively through arrangements like zoning.
Mallam Nasir El-rufai, the former Governor of Kaduna State, made an instructive statement, alleging that there were fifth columnists undermining President Tinubu’s election win in the APC and in the late President Buhari’s government. He said, “The North is a region left behind by Sir Ahmadu Bello, the Sardauna of Sokoto, where promises were made and kept and respected.” This statement highlights El-rufai’s emphasis on the North’s historical legacy and the importance of honoring commitments.
This statement implies that the North has a legacy of leadership and unity, exemplified by Sir Ahmadu Bello, and should strive to replicate this in the future. Referencing to the past highlights the importance of keeping promises and respecting agreements, which is crucial for the North’s progress. The North’s ability to maintain unity and cohesion will be vital in addressing the challenges it faces and ensuring the region’s development.
President Bola Tinubu of the APC emerged victorious in the 2023 presidential election, winning 33.2% of the vote to Atiku’s 29.1% and Obi’s 25.4%. Tinubu’s campaign focused on issues of economic development, security, and national unity, and he was seen as a strong candidate with a deep understanding of Nigerian politics.
In 2027, the North will replicate more of this. The North should not be divided in its decision by either religion or tribe. The right thing must be done. This unity is essential for the North to move forward and achieve its goals, and it’s imperative that regional leaders prioritize the North’s interests above personal or group allegiances.
As we look ahead to 2027, let’s draw inspiration from the spirit of 2007, when Nigerian politicians put country above self and ensured a brighter future for ourselves and generations to come.
Danaudi, Public Affairs Analyst Writes From Bauchi Via danaudicomrade@gmail.com.
