Bill Seeking To Bar Candidates From N’West, S’West, S’South From 2027 Presidential Election Underway

The potential exclusion of presidential candidates from the North-West, South-West, and South-South regions in the upcoming 2027 general election looms large as a groundbreaking bill seeks to shake up the political landscape by reshaping constitutional provisions.

Spearheaded by Benue State’s Apa/Agatu Federal Constituency representative, Ojema Ojetu, the proposed legislation aims to amend the 1999 Constitution to enforce a rotation of power among Nigeria’s various zones, senatorial districts, and federal constituencies in key elections.

If passed, the bill would prevent zones that have previously produced a president since Nigeria’s return to democracy in 1999 from fielding candidates for the presidency.

This move aims to foster inclusivity, participation, and representation across all regions of Nigeria.

As exclusively reported by The Punch, key amendments outlined in the bill include the rotation of the presidency among the six geo-political zones, with each state eligible for a maximum of two four-year terms, starting from May 29, 1999.

It further proposes similar rotations for governorship positions and senatorial elections within states.

The bill’s implications are profound, especially for regions like the South East and North Central, which are yet to produce an elected president since Nigeria gained independence in 1960.

With a history of presidential power concentrated in certain regions, such as the South-West, South-South, and North-West, the proposed legislation seeks to reshape Nigeria’s political landscape by redistributing power more equitably among its diverse regions.

However, the bill’s success hinges on securing legislative approval in the Senate and garnering support from state assemblies across the country, presenting a significant hurdle in its path to enactment.

A breakdown analysis by ONN shows that Since Nigeria’s return to democracy in 1999, the South-West has produced two presidents: Olusegun Obasanjo (1999-2007) and the incumbent president, Bola Tinubu (2023– to date).

Obasanjo handed over to his successor, Umaru Musa Yar’dua from the North-West (2007–2010), who died in office, making way for his Vice, Goodluck Jonathan from the South-South, to complete his tenure before being fully elected into office in 2011.

Jonathan served only one term (2011-2015) after he was defeated by another North-Westerner, Muhammadu Buhari (2015-2023).