A prominent Niger Delta stakeholder has issued a stern warning to northern political figures and groups eyeing the Nigerian presidency in 2027, describing such aspirations as premature, unpatriotic, and potentially destabilizing. The statement, which has sparked reactions across the political landscape, came from Dr. Ken Robinson, Convener of the Concerned Citizens of Rivers State and Immediate Past National Publicity Secretary of the Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF).
Dr. Robinson criticized what he described as a coordinated attempt by certain northern interests to reclaim the presidency barely four years after holding it for eight consecutive years under former President Muhammadu Buhari, from 2015 to 2023. He argued that such a move disregards the core democratic principles of fairness, equity, and national balance, which he insists are essential for Nigeria’s unity and continued stability.
While acknowledging that the right to contest for any political office is enshrined in the constitution and available to every citizen regardless of region, Robinson stressed that political ambition must be guided by a deep sense of justice and consideration for national peace. He insisted that fairness demands that other regions, particularly the South, be allowed to lead before the presidency returns to the North.
According to Robinson, “It is inconceivable that the North would even contemplate regaining the presidency in 2027 after holding the office for two consecutive terms under the late Muhammadu Buhari. While every Nigerian has the right to aspire to the presidency, it is essential to uphold the principles of fairness, equity, and justice.”
He added that any attempt to jettison these principles for political gain would not only violate long-standing norms of political rotation but could also risk the nation’s fragile unity. “Without these principles, peace and progress will be unattainable,” he warned.
In his statement, Dr. Robinson urged “northern politicians hungry to become president” to exercise restraint and wait until 2031. He appealed to respected northern leaders and elites to play a guiding role by discouraging divisive and aggressive ambitions that threaten national cohesion. “It is also necessary to urge patriotic and well-meaning northern elites and leaders to guide these individuals and groups toward more responsible aspirations in the overall interest of the nation,” he said.
He further emphasized that Nigeria, as a country with significant ethnic and regional diversity, cannot afford to ignore the rotational agreement—formal or informal—that has helped to maintain balance and trust in the nation’s leadership selection process. According to him, the principle of rotating power between North and South has been fundamental to the survival of Nigeria’s democracy since 1999.
“In a diverse and complex country like Nigeria, the sustained and fair rotation of critical political offices is vital for maintaining unity and peaceful coexistence,” Robinson said. “This practice of rotation has been an integral part of the nation’s political framework and should not be disregarded now. Ignoring it could have severe consequences for the country’s political and economic stability.”
His comments come amid renewed speculation that some northern political actors are already positioning themselves for the 2027 presidential race, despite growing calls from various quarters in the South for a continuation of southern leadership. The current administration, led by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu from the Southwest, began in 2023 following the end of Buhari’s tenure.
As Nigeria moves closer to the midpoint of the current administration, discussions around zoning, regional balance, and the future of national leadership are gaining momentum. Dr. Robinson’s warning adds to the growing body of opinion urging caution and respect for political balance to preserve national harmony.
So far, there has been no official reaction from prominent northern political figures or parties regarding the comments. However, the issue of power rotation is expected to remain a central topic in the build-up to the 2027 general elections.
