Nigeria’s Minister of Art, Culture, and Creative Economy, Hannatu Musawa, has sparked controversy by suggesting that the presidency should remain in Southern Nigeria for the next term to ensure equity and balance.
Musawa emphasized the importance of maintaining the country’s unofficial power-sharing deal between the North and South.
In contrast, actor-turned-politician Kenneth Okonkwo, a member of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), has advised the party to pick a northerner as its presidential candidate for the 2027 election, believing it would guarantee President Tinubu a return ticket if the coalition fields a southern flagbearer.
Musawa argued that zoning is crucial for the country’s stability and sense of belonging, stating, “Power should certainly, for the next four to six years, remain in the southern part of the country.”
She hopes that one day, candidates will be judged solely on their capacity and what they bring to the table, rather than their region.
Okonkwo, however, believes a northerner with experience in the presidency would be an ideal candidate, especially if they have the support of the entire north.
