By Rachel Akper

Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri of Adamawa State has insisted that Nigeria’s presidency should remain in the southern region in 2027, arguing that the informal power-sharing arrangement between the North and South should be respected in the interest of fairness and national unity.

Fintiri made the remarks during an appearance on Sunrise Daily, a programme on Channels Television, where he stated that although zoning is not expressly provided for in the Nigerian Constitution, it has become a political convention that promotes balance and inclusion.

According to the governor, allowing the South to complete what he described as its “turn” would help stabilise the polity and sustain the spirit of equity among Nigeria’s diverse regions.

He maintained that northerners should not be seeking the presidency in 2027, noting that the current administration is led by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who is from the South-West.

Fintiri’s comments are widely seen as a direct response to speculations about potential northern contenders in the next presidential race, including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar.

The Adamawa governor also addressed concerns about his recent political moves, stressing that differences in political alignment should not be interpreted as personal animosity. He said political decisions are often guided by broader considerations of governance and development.

The debate over zoning and rotational presidency has continued to shape conversations ahead of the 2027 general elections, with political actors across party lines weighing in on whether the South should retain the presidency for another term or whether the contest should be open to all regions.

As political alignments gradually take shape, Fintiri’s position adds a significant voice to the growing discourse on regional balance and the future direction of Nigeria’s leadership.