The North-Central Renaissance Movement (NCRM), a political pressure group, has appealed to the major political parties to consider zoning their 2027 presidential ticket to the North-Central.
Prof. K’tso Nghargbu, the NCRM Chairman, made the appeal on Saturday in Abuja, saying Nigerians should discard the habit of low expectations from the country’s leaders.
He said the appeal was particularly to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Action Democratic Congress (ADC) and the Social Democratic Party (SDP) among others.
This, he said, was because President Bola Tinubu had the right to re-contest and the right of first refusal in the All Progressives Congress (APC) as the ruling party and the incumbent president.
“No amount of party chairmanship positions or other secondary roles will deter us from our demand for the presidency.
“We will no longer accompany other zones as escorts, back benchers, spectators, or political underdogs to the glorious location called Nigeria.
“Being the only geopolitical zone that has never produced a civilian President or Vice-President since Independence, the time for North-Central to lead the country is now.
“This demand is a call to action for the major political parties to recognise the zone’s contributions and grant it the presidential ticket in 2027,” Nghargbu said.
He noted that the North-Central geopolitical zone had also made significant contributions to the country’s economic development and unity.
He said this underscored the fact that the zone had paid its dues to the county’s economic development by providing power through numerous hydro-electric power dams.
According to him, the zone has laid a strong foundation for a sturdy economic diversification to further showcase its commitment to the nation’s growth.
“The zone has also made unparalleled contributions to the Nigerian victory, a prize they hold so dear, particularly in the struggle during the Civil War,” Nghargbu said.
He added that the North-Central, which had been the centre of national cohesion, consistently maintained her loyalty to the Nigerian project and supported candidates from other zones as a reflection of her sacrifice and love for their political aspirations.
He noted that the zone had produced highly competent leaders, technocrats, and world-class professionals with capacity to deliver good governance to Nigeria.
“With the highest number of ethnic groups and hosting the three major tribes of the Hausa and Fulani in all the states, the Yorubas in Kogi and Kwara as well as the Igbos in Kogi and Benue.
“The zone embodies the spirit of inclusivity that Nigeria aspires to as a geopolitical and cultural bridge, at the same time-sharing identities with both the North and South.
“A leader from the North-Central will have the experience and temperament to manage Nigeria’s diversity and promote national unity.
“To project our pursuit of unity and foresight, the North-Central zone calls the nation together to ease the pains of today while working for the gains of tomorrow,” the NCRM chairman stressed.
He said the region’s aspiration to Nigeria’s presidency in 2027 presented a unique opportunity for Northern leaders to demonstrate their commitment to inclusivity and regional unity.
He added that it would also foster a sense of cohesion within the North as well as encourage other regions to lend their backing and ultimately strengthen the country’s democracy.(NAN)