North-Central Renaissance Movement (NCRM), a prominent political advocacy group, has urged major political parties in Nigeria to allocate their 2027 presidential candidacy to the North-Central geopolitical zone, emphasizing the region’s readiness to lead.
Speaking in Abuja on Saturday, NCRM Chairman Prof. K’tso Nghargbu called for a shift in political expectations, urging Nigerians to reject mediocrity in leadership.
“We must move beyond accepting low standards from our leaders,” he declared, pressing parties like the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Action Democratic Congress (ADC), and Social Democratic Party (SDP) to prioritize the North-Central for their presidential tickets.
Nghargbu acknowledged that President Bola Tinubu, as the incumbent, holds the right to re-contest under the All Progressives Congress (APC).
However, he firmly stated, “No amount of secondary roles, like party chairmanships, will sway us from our pursuit of the presidency. The North-Central will no longer play second fiddle or remain political spectators.”
Highlighting the zone’s historical exclusion, Nghargbu noted, “As the only geopolitical zone yet to produce a civilian President or Vice-President since Nigeria’s independence, the North-Central’s time to lead is now.”
He emphasized the region’s contributions to Nigeria’s economic and political landscape, including its role in powering the nation through numerous hydroelectric dams. “Our zone has laid a robust foundation for economic diversification, showcasing our commitment to national progress,” he added.
The NCRM chairman also underscored the North-Central’s role in fostering national unity, particularly during the Nigerian Civil War, and its consistent support for candidates from other regions.
“The North-Central has been a pillar of national cohesion, a geopolitical bridge embodying Nigeria’s diversity with its mix of ethnic groups, including Hausa, Fulani, Yoruba in Kogi and Kwara, and Igbo in Kogi and Benue,” he said. This diversity, he argued, equips the zone to produce a leader capable of managing Nigeria’s complex social fabric and promoting inclusivity.
Nghargbu, further, highlighted the region’s wealth of talent, stating, “The North-Central has produced exceptional leaders, technocrats, and professionals ready to deliver transformative governance.”
He described the zone’s 2027 presidential aspiration as a chance to strengthen Nigeria’s democracy and foster regional unity.
“This is a call to action for political parties to recognize our contributions and grant us the opportunity to lead,” he asserted, adding that a North-Central presidency would “ease today’s challenges while building a prosperous tomorrow.”
The NCRM’s appeal positions the North-Central as a unifying force, urging political stakeholders to back its vision for a more inclusive and united Nigeria in 2027. (NAN)
