Professor Yerima Carpets Agitators For rotation of VP Slots Among Northern Zones

Professor Haruna Yerima, an influential All Progressives Congress (APC) chieftain, has criticized the recent call by the North-Central Renaissance Movement to rotate the Vice President’s position from the North-East to the North-Central.

Yerima described the push as “ill-timed,” “diversionary,” and “insensitive,” warning that such demands could destabilize Nigeria’s delicate political balance.

In a statement issued in Abuja on Thursday, Yerima pointed out that since the return to democratic rule in 1999, the power-sharing arrangement between the North and South has remained consistent and stable. He reminded critics that power had been shared equally between the two regions, citing examples such as President Olusegun Obasanjo’s two terms with Atiku Abubakar as Vice President from 1999 to 2007, and President Goodluck Jonathan’s administration, where Namadi Sambo served as Vice President from 2010 to 2014.

Yerima also noted the eight-year partnership between President Muhammadu Buhari and Vice President Yemi Osinbajo from 2015 to 2023. He questioned the motives behind the new calls for a vice-presidential change, stating, “Why change now?” and emphasizing the stability the current system has fostered.

The North-Central Renaissance Movement, led by Prof. Nghargbu K’tso, has recently threatened to withdraw support for President Bola Tinubu if he does not select a vice-presidential candidate from their region.

The group claims that the North-Central has been marginalized for 65 years, a claim Yerima dismissed as historically inaccurate.

Yerima further asserted that blackmailing President Tinubu to change his deputy would be both undemocratic and counterproductive. He stressed that the decision on who serves as Vice President is ultimately the president’s prerogative, and that pressure to impose an unwanted candidate is uncalled for.

“Vice President Kashim Shettima was chosen by President Tinubu after considering a variety of factors,” Yerima said. “His selection was not arbitrary; it was based on his capability to help execute the president’s ambitious agenda. Shettima has already proven himself as a dedicated and effective leader.”

In refuting claims of marginalization, Yerima pointed out that the North-Central region had produced two of Nigeria’s longest-serving leaders—General Yakubu Gowon, who served as the Military Head of State from 1966 to 1975, and General Ibrahim Babangida, who served as the military president from 1985 to 1993.

Yerima concluded by urging Nigerians to respect the democratic process and allow the president the freedom to choose his running mate without undue interference. He called on political groups to focus on unity and progress rather than divisive rhetoric that could harm the nation’s stability.

This latest political debate underscores the ongoing regional power struggles within Nigeria as various groups continue to press their demands for a larger share of the political pie. Whether the North-Central Renaissance Movement’s pressure will have any effect on President Tinubu’s political calculations remains to be seen.