The Imperative of Equity, Justice, and Respect for Zonal Understanding Ahead of The 2027 Presidential Election

By Austin Ibok

Your Excellency,

I write as a committed stakeholder of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), a loyal party man who has invested considerable time, energy, and resources in the struggle to build a credible political alternative for Nigerians.

Recent speculations suggesting a possible Atiku Abubakar–Rotimi Amaechi presidential ticket for the 2027 general election have generated widespread concern among many stakeholders, particularly those of us who firmly believe in the principles of equity, justice, fairness, Good conscience and national balance.

Your Excellency, when you declared your presidential ambition, you made it abundantly clear that you were not in the race to become anyone’s Vice President. You sought the highest office in the land because you believed you possessed the competence, experience, and leadership credentials required to lead Nigeria. That position earned you the respect and support of many Nigerians, especially those from the Southern region who saw your aspiration as part of the broader quest for political inclusion and justice.

It is therefore difficult to reconcile that position with any arrangement that would once again relegate the South to the position of Vice President at a time when many Nigerians believe that, in the interest of fairness and national cohesion, the presidency should remain in the South.

This raises fundamental questions that deserve honest answers.

Does it mean that Southern politicians are considered qualified only for the office of Vice President and not President under Atiku’s political idea?

Does it mean that despite producing capable and experienced leaders, the South should continually surrender its legitimate aspiration to occupy the highest office in the country?

Does it mean that the gentleman’s understanding regarding power rotation between the North and South should only be respected when it benefits certain interests?

As someone who coordinated the Atiku Abubakar Presidential Primary Campaign in Cross River State in 2019, State Coordinator ASO in 2021 until Gov Ben Ayade defected to APC, I do not make these observations from a position of hostility. On the contrary, I have been a longstanding supporter of Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, dating back to 2011. My commitment to his political vision has never been in doubt.

For this reason, I had expected that, in the spirit of statesmanship and national unity, His Excellency Atiku Abubakar would support the emergence of a credible Southern presidential candidate in 2027. Such a position would not only strengthen national cohesion but also reinforce confidence in the principle of power rotation that has helped stabilize our democracy over the years.

Consequently, I respectfully urge Your Excellency, Rotimi Amaechi, not to lend credibility to any political arrangement that undermines the legitimate expectations of millions of Southerners who believe that 2027 presents an opportunity to consolidate the principles of fairness and inclusiveness in our national politics.

If those promoting such a ticket believe there are other individuals who are more popular, stronger, or more acceptable in the South, they are free to pursue such options. Indeed, if the intention is to maintain a Northern presidential candidacy, then they should equally look within their own region for a running mate. The South should not be invited merely to endorse or legitimize an arrangement that many perceive as fundamentally unjust.

History has shown that sustainable political partnerships are built on mutual respect, trust, and fairness, not expediency.

As stakeholders, we wish to state clearly and unequivocally that any arrangement that disregards the principle of equity and the legitimate aspirations of the South will face serious resistance from party faithful and political actors who remain committed to justice and balanced nation-building.

Our democracy can only thrive when political leaders honor both the letter and spirit of the understandings that promote national unity.

We therefore call on Your Excellency to reject any collaboration that diminishes the South’s rightful place in the ongoing national conversation about leadership and succession. Such a principled stand will not only protect your political legacy but also serve as a deterrent against future attempts to undermine the values of fairness, justice, and inclusiveness in Nigeria’s democratic process.

May wisdom, courage, and patriotism guide all those who seek to lead our nation.

Austine Ibok
ADC Stakeholder, Cross River State