Professor Tukur Mohammed-Baba, the Publicity Secretary of the Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF), has voiced strong criticism of the ongoing conversation surrounding presidential zoning ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Speaking candidly in a recent interview with Arise TV, Prof. Mohammed-Baba dismissed the North-South zoning debate as a “distraction” from the pressing challenges facing Nigeria. He argued that national leadership should not be based on geographic considerations but on competence, vision, and the ability to unite and lead the country effectively.
“I believe that in matters of leadership, we should prioritise selecting the very best candidate who has a vision for a united, strong, and economically viable Nigerian state,” he stated.
According to him, Nigeria’s continued focus on zoning is a waste of time and political capital. He cited the 2015 elections as an example, saying the country’s attempt to align leadership with regional sentiments was ultimately unsuccessful.
“We tried this regional politics in 2015, and within six months, it became clear that it was a monumental mistake,” Prof. Mohammed-Baba said, without mentioning specific individuals or administrations.
The professor emphasized that the discourse around zoning detracts from meaningful conversations about good governance, national development, and long-term stability. He urged Nigerians and political stakeholders to shift attention from identity politics and instead focus on electing leaders based on merit and performance.
As political parties begin to position themselves for the 2027 elections, the debate over whether the presidency should rotate back to the South or remain in the North continues to dominate public discourse. However, Prof. Mohammed-Baba’s remarks underscore growing concerns that such debates may be missing the bigger picture.
