“As far as Presidential election is concerned, it must go to the south” - Nyesom Wike

According to Arise News, Former Rivers State governor and political leader, Nyesom Wike, has stirred national discussion with his statement that, as far as the presidential election is concerned, it must go to the South. His comment has brought back the long-standing debate about power rotation and fairness in Nigeria’s political system.

Nigeria is a diverse country made up of different regions, ethnic groups, and religions. To manage this diversity, major political parties have often followed an informal agreement that power should rotate between the North and the South. Supporters of this idea believe it helps promote unity and gives every region a sense of belonging. Wike’s position is based on this understanding.

According to Wike, after years of leadership dominated by the North, it is only fair that the South produces the next president. He argues that respecting rotation is not just about politics, but about justice and balance. In his view, ignoring this arrangement could create feelings of exclusion and increase tension across the country.

Many people in the South agree with Wike’s stance. They believe zoning has helped Nigeria maintain relative stability since the return to democracy in 1999. For them, power rotation is a moral understanding, even if it is not written in the constitution. They feel breaking it could weaken trust in the political system.

However, others disagree. Critics argue that Nigeria should focus more on competence, vision, and leadership ability rather than region. They believe that insisting the presidency must go to a particular part of the country limits choice and may deny Nigerians the best possible leader.

Despite the different opinions, Wike’s statement has once again highlighted an important national issue. It shows that many Nigerians are still concerned about fairness, inclusion, and unity in governance. As the country moves toward future elections, the debate over zoning and power rotation is likely to remain strong, shaping political conversations and decisions across the nation.