Rotational Presidency Imperative to Keep Nigeria United, Says Shehu Sani

Former Senator representing Kaduna Central, Shehu Sani, has said that the principle of rotational presidency remains critical to maintaining Nigeria’s unity and political stability.

Speaking in a recent interview, the civil rights activist stressed that rotational presidency is not just a political tradition but a necessary tool to ensure inclusiveness and equity among the country’s diverse ethnic and regional groups.

He warned that any disruption to the informal zoning arrangement could threaten the fragile unity of the nation.

Sani called on Northern leaders to support President Bola Tinubu to complete an eight-year tenure, saying the South-West deserves to serve two full terms just as the North did under former Presidents Umaru Musa Yar’Adua and Muhammadu Buhari.

“Rotational presidency is the cornerstone of our unity. It guarantees that no region feels permanently excluded from power,” he said.

He cautioned against what he described as early signs of political resistance to Tinubu’s second term from some elements in the North, warning that such actions could fuel division and instability.

According to him, the presidency should not become the permanent entitlement of any region.

“Any attempt to shortchange any region under the guise of political interest will be seen as marginalisation.

The North had its time; the South should be allowed to complete its own. That is justice, that is fairness,” he said.

Sani criticised opposition groups for what he called premature agitation for a power shift, urging instead for unity, maturity, and support for national development. He said the current administration should be assessed on performance rather than regional bias or ethnic sentiment.

He also advocated for the formalisation of rotational presidency, suggesting that the National Assembly consider codifying the arrangement into law. According to him, this would prevent future political disputes and reinforce national cohesion.

“Nigeria’s democracy must reflect our diversity. Enshrining rotational presidency into law will guarantee every region a fair stake and help avert recurring political crises,” he added.

Sani’s remarks come as political discourse intensifies ahead of the 2027 general elections, with debates emerging over zoning, equity, and national unity.