By: Mandy Park
Engnr Martin Onovo, a seasoned politician and former presidential candidate of the National Conscience Party (NCP) in the 2015 election , has emphasized the need for Nigerians to insist on the rotational presidency principle between Northern and Southern Nigeria to maintain peace in the country.
Onovo maintained that the rotational principle, adopted by both the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the All Progressives Congress (APC), the ruling party, has become an acceptable convention.
This principle according to the seasoned politician aims to promote fairness and justice in the country’s political landscape.
Onovo, currently Head, Policy Positions, Movement for Fundamental Change (MFC) while speaking to select media at the weekend including Nigeria News Mark, stressed that the rotational principle is essential for continued peace in Nigeria.
He cited the example of his home state, where governorship has been rotated among senatorial zones, promoting fairness and justice.
Onovo reminded Nigerians that the country’s constitution forbids discrimination and requires ‘Federal Character.’
Said Onovo ” The issues here include domination and discrimination. We must also remember that both APC and PDP accept the political principle of rotation.
“In my home state, governorship has been by rotation on senatorial zone basis. It is about fairness and justice.
“The late HE Alhaji Balarabe Musa told us that you can find an excellent presidential candidate in any of the 774 Local Government Areas (LGAs) of Nigeria in 2023 because of the rotational principle.”
He emphasized that both APC and PDP accept the rotational principle, which has been instrumental in promoting inclusivity and equity in Nigerian politics.
On implications for 2027 Presidency, Onovo argued that as political leaders strategize for the 2027 elections, they must adhere to rotational principle.
Onovo’s call for the rotational principle has sparked discussions about the future of Nigerian politics.
Already, there seems to be an undercurrent that the North might root for Abubakar Atiku presidency as the region, with the death of former President Muhammadu Buhari, no longer boasts of a towering political figure that could rally them, except Atiku.
However, opponents of the view insist that South should be allowed to finish its eight years, either through the incumbent president Tinubu, or any other candidate, to avoid the post-Yar’Adua scenario, when former President Goodluck Jonathan, against advice from some political interests, joined the race and won after completing late President Umaru Yar’Adua’s tenure, instead of allowing North to go for another term, thereby disrupting the rotational principle then.
With some groups advocating for rotation among the six geo-political zones, Onovo’s stance has added fuel to the ongoing debate.
Onovo’s advocacy for the rotational principle highlights the need for Nigerians to prioritize fairness, justice, and inclusivity in the country’s political landscape.
As the nation approaches the 2027 elections, his call serves as a reminder of the importance of adhering to established conventions and promoting national unity.
