Atiku to Opposition: "Rethink Zoning Presidency to the South in 2027"

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has urged opposition parties to reconsider the traditional practice of zoning the presidential ticket to the Southern region ahead of the 2027 general elections. Speaking on Monday, May 11, 2026, Atiku argued that the current political climate and the need for a formidable challenge to the ruling party necessitate a more strategic approach that prioritizes competence and winning potential over regional arrangements.

Atiku noted that while zoning was intended to ensure equity, it should not be treated as a "straitjacket" that limits the opposition's ability to present its most viable candidate. He suggested that focusing exclusively on a Southern candidate might inadvertently weaken the opposition's grip on key voting blocs in other parts of the country. According to him, the primary goal of the opposition should be to rescue the nation from its current socio-economic challenges, a task that requires a leader with a proven national appeal regardless of their state of origin.

The former Vice President, who has already confirmed that the 2027 race will be his "final outing" in Nigerian politics, emphasized that the African Democratic Congress (ADC)—a party he has recently aligned with—does not have zoning in its constitution. He maintained that the opposition must remain flexible to counter the incumbency advantage of the APC. Atiku’s remarks come at a time of significant realignment within the opposition, as figures from various regions weigh their ambitions against the backdrop of national unity.

He called on party leaders to engage in honest dialogue to determine the most effective path toward victory in 2027.

Do you believe that abandoning zoning is a necessary strategy for the opposition to win in 2027, or will it further divide the country along regional lines? Share your comments below!

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