The leader of Arewa Summit International, Dr. Bashir Lamido, has proposed that all presidential candidates for the 2027 elections should come from the South West region, while the South East should be given the same opportunity in 2031.

Lamido made this suggestion during a high-level political dialogue on zoning and national cohesion held in Abuja on Friday, emphasizing that this rotational approach would foster unity, fairness, and long-term political stability across Nigeria.

"For the sake of equity, national integration, and the stability of our democracy, we believe the South West should present all presidential candidates in 2027. Then, come 2031, the South East, which has long awaited its turn, should be given the full platform to produce the next president," Lamido stated.

According to the Arewa leader, the proposal is not intended to exclude any group but rather to establish a national precedent for justice and inclusion in Nigeria's political landscape.

Building Trust Across Regions

"This is not just about politics. It's about healing, trust-building, and showing every Nigerian that they belong to the same nation," he explained.

Addressing potential concerns about northern representation, Lamido noted: "People may ask, what about the North? It should be the turn of the North in 2031. They forget that the North has spent more years leading the country than any other region."

He emphasized that balancing leadership across regions is essential for national cohesion. "It is just right to balance the leadership across the regions. We are only hoping that in 2031, the South East should be extended same national compliments as we are hopeful to do for the South West in 2027," Lamido added.

The proposal comes amid ongoing debates about zoning and power rotation in Nigeria's political system, with many stakeholders advocating for more inclusive approaches to ensure all regions feel represented in the nation's leadership.