The call for Nigeria’s top leadership seat gained momentum over the weekend as the North-Central Renaissance Movement (NCRM) demanded that the presidency be zoned to the region in 2027. The group cautioned that any political party that disregards this demand risks rejection at the polls.
Addressing a press conference in Abuja, NCRM chairman and convener, Professor K’tso Nghargbu, stressed that the North-Central—which includes Niger, Kogi, Benue, Plateau, Nasarawa, Kwara States, and the Federal Capital Territory—has never produced an elected president or vice president since independence, despite its immense contributions to national unity and stability.
“It is our duty to state clearly that the North Central geopolitical zone seeks, requests, and demands that political parties cede their presidential ticket to our region. Patronising us means winning our votes; ignoring us means losing them,” Nghargbu declared.
According to him, the North-Central remains uniquely positioned to bridge Nigeria’s widening political divides, particularly the growing tension between elites from the far North and the South. He also highlighted the readiness of leaders from the zone to step forward, pointing to Dr. Gbenga Olawepo-Hashim, a prominent figure within the Peoples Democratic Party in the FCT, who has already indicated interest in contesting under the PDP platform.
“The North-Central is blessed with vast political resources and human capital. We are capable of providing the leadership Nigeria needs to drive unity and address the nation’s challenges at this critical time,” he added.
The coalition also reaffirmed its support for the inclusion of independent candidacy in Nigeria’s Constitution, describing it as a corrective measure against the dominance of what it termed “money-drunk and godfather-driven” political parties.
“Independent candidature is one of the solutions Nigeria requires. It helps check the excesses of political parties that often deny credible aspirants a fair chance,” Nghargbu said.
With the 2027 general elections fast approaching, the NCRM insists that zoning the presidency to the North-Central is not just an issue of fairness, but also a strategic decision to promote peace, unity, and stability across the country.
