By: Daure David , Political Correspondence
The Nigeria Democratic Front (NDF) has called on former Vice President Atiku Abubakar to withdraw from the 2027 presidential race, citing the long-standing zoning arrangement that favors a Southern Nigerian candidate for the next eight years.
In a strongly worded statement signed by its National Coordinator, Engr. Ikenna Ellis-Ezenekwe, the NDF expressed disappointment over Atiku’s recent declaration to contest the presidency, describing it as a disregard for political equity and national unity.
“It is the turn of the South. The North has had its fair share of leadership. Atiku should go and retire,” the statement read.
The group’s reaction comes just days after Atiku publicly confirmed his intention to run in the 2027 elections, asserting that Nigeria must be “rescued from the intensive care unit” and citing worsening socio-economic conditions as his motivation.
Atiku, who was the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) presidential candidate in the 2023 elections, made the announcement through his spokesperson, Tunde Olusunle, and later reiterated his stance from his residence in the United Arab Emirates.
However, the NDF insists that Atiku’s ambition undermines the principle of rotational presidency, a political convention designed to ensure balanced representation between Nigeria’s North and South.
“The zoning arrangement is not just a political courtesy—it is a stabilizing mechanism for our fragile democracy,” Ellis-Ezenekwe emphasized.
Political observers note that the zoning debate is likely to intensify as the 2027 election season approaches, with several Southern leaders expected to declare their interest in the presidency. The NDF’s statement adds to growing calls for adherence to regional power-sharing agreements, which have historically shaped Nigeria’s electoral landscape.
As the political temperature rises, Atiku’s candidacy is poised to remain a focal point of national discourse, sparking renewed conversations about equity, leadership, and the future of Nigeria’s democracy.
