A political advocacy group, the South-North Progressive Forum (SNPF), has begun a nationwide campaign demanding that the presidency be zoned to the South in the 2027 general elections. Speaking at a press conference in Abuja on Sunday, the group’s chairman, Comrade Festus Onyekwulisi, said the move was necessary to address historic imbalances in Nigeria’s leadership …
2027: Forum Launches Campaign for Southern Presidency
A political advocacy group, the South-North Progressive Forum (SNPF), has begun a nationwide campaign demanding that the presidency be zoned to the South in the 2027 general elections.
Speaking at a press conference in Abuja on Sunday, the group’s chairman, Comrade Festus Onyekwulisi, said the move was necessary to address historic imbalances in Nigeria’s leadership structure and to promote national unity.
Onyekwulisi explained that the forum’s mission is to mobilise citizens across both southern and northern states to embrace the principle of power rotation. He stressed that zoning the presidency to the South should not be left to elite negotiations alone but should become a popular demand that shapes the 2027 polls.
“It is not enough for a few political elites to agree to the zoning of the 2027 presidency to the South,” he said. “There must be a conscious mobilisation to ensure that millions of citizens across the country actively support this idea. We are building a national consensus that will impact the voting process in 2027.”
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The SNPF urged the National Assembly to pass legislation formalising rotational power-sharing for elective offices. It also called on political parties, including the African Democratic Congress (ADC), to zone their presidential tickets to the South.
History of Leadership Imbalance
Citing Nigeria’s leadership record since 1957, Onyekwulisi noted that the North has held the presidency for 24 years compared to the South’s 18. He argued that giving the South another four-year term in 2027 was not political favour but a step toward fairness and cohesion.
“This is about national integration, equity, justice, and fairness,” he said. “It is about ensuring no group dominates and every section has a genuine sense of belonging.”
10 Million Votes Target
The forum said it aims to mobilise at least 10 million votes in support of a southern candidate, with coordinators already deployed nationwide. It is also running sensitisation campaigns to reduce voter apathy and discourage politicians from exploiting insecurity, hunger, or ethnic and religious sentiments.
“The 2027 election will not be politics as usual. Any politician who attempts to coerce Nigerians will fail, because Nigerians will vote their conscience,” Onyekwulisi declared.
‘Rightful Defection’ Strategy
The group has also introduced what it calls a new political philosophy, “Rightful Defection,” which it says allows its members to support a southern candidate of their choice, regardless of party affiliation, based on competence and equity.
When asked if the forum would transform into a political party, Onyekwulisi dismissed the suggestion. “This is not about politics,” he said. “It is about patriotism, national integration, equity, peace, and progress for Nigeria.”
Rafiyat Sadiq is a political, justice, and human rights reporter with Pinnacle Daily, known for fearless reporting and impactful storytelling. At Pinnacle Daily, she brings clarity and depth to issues shaping governance, democracy, and the protection of citizens’ rights.
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