Northcentral Presidency Demand intensifies as NCRM warns APC, PDP, and ADC of electoral consequences if zone is ignored in 2027 power rotation
Northcentral Presidency Demand has taken centre stage in the early build-up to Nigeria’s 2027 general election, as the Northcentral Renaissance Movement (NCRM) issues a clear warning to major political parties.
Also read: Northern Forum Demands Removal of Service Chiefs, Security Emergency
Speaking at a press conference in Abuja, Professor K’tso Nghargbu, the NCRM convener, stated that the Northcentral geopolitical zone has been persistently marginalised, having never produced an elected president or vice president in Nigeria’s history.
“Patronising us means having our votes. Despising us means losing our votes,” he declared, urging parties like APC, PDP, and ADC to zone their presidential or vice-presidential tickets to the region in 2027.
The call comes amid a politically volatile backdrop. APC has already endorsed President Bola Tinubu for re-election. PDP has zoned its presidential ticket to the South, though micro-zoning remains contested. Meanwhile, ADC has yet to open discussions on zoning — but observers argue that it may ultimately favour Atiku Abubakar, from the Northeast.
This has left Northcentral groups, led by the NCRM, feeling overlooked. The region includes Kwara, Kogi, Benue, Niger, Nasarawa, Plateau and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) — collectively accounting for a significant voting bloc.
Professor Nghargbu framed the Northcentral Presidency Demand as a remedy to growing distrust between the political elites of the far North and South.
“North Central emerges as the best solution towards national unity,” he said. “We are a bridge, not a barrier.”
He also referenced prominent figures from the zone, such as Dr Gbenga Olawepo-Hashim, who has shown interest in the 2027 race, suggesting that the region has capable contenders ready to lead.
The movement did not outline a formal strategy should parties ignore their call, but made it clear that voter backlash could be expected at the polls.
“Any political party that despises our zone will be despised by our votes,” Nghargbu repeated.
He also threw support behind the push to entrench independent candidacy in the constitution, describing political parties as being “money-drunk and godfather-drunk” and in need of reform.
“Independent candidature is part of the solution. It checks the excesses of parties,” he added.
With the Southeast still rallying behind Peter Obi, and the Northeast eyeing a possible Atiku return, Northcentral’s demand adds a new layer to an already complex zoning debate.
Also read: Peter Obi One-Term Promise Aims to Win Northern Support
As the 2027 elections draw nearer, how parties respond to this call could significantly shape Nigeria’s political map — and voter loyalties.
