By Abigail Philip David
As Nigeria moves closer to the 2027 general elections, Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, has urged former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed, ex-Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai, and other northern leaders to respect the zoning principle.
Speaking at the 11th Sir Ahmadu Bello Memorial Lecture and Awards in Bauchi, Akume, represented by his chief of staff, Christopher Tarkaa, emphasized the importance of zoning in maintaining national unity and ensuring fair representation.
Some northern political heavyweights, including Atiku, El-Rufai, and Bala Mohammed, are reportedly strategizing for the 2027 presidential race. However, many believe such a move could disrupt the zoning arrangement, as the South may seek an eight-year tenure before power returns to the North in 2031.
“The principle of zoning has been instrumental in maintaining Nigeria’s fragile balance,” Akume stated, urging political leaders to prioritize national unity over personal ambitions. He reassured that the federal government remains committed to social justice and equity across all regions.
He warned against actions that could destabilize the country, citing the experiences of Somalia, Libya, and Iraq as cautionary tales.
“I appeal to my brothers from Northern Nigeria to support President Bola Tinubu for the development and unity of this country. The president means well for Nigeria,” Akume added.
His remarks come amid growing tensions over the future of power rotation, reigniting discussions on the role of zoning in sustaining Nigeria’s democratic stability.
Bauchi Governor: The North Needs a Unified Development Plan
Meanwhile, Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed has called for a structured regional development plan to address the North’s numerous challenges, including poverty, illiteracy, insecurity, and poor governance.
Speaking at the same event, Bala lamented the lack of a cohesive strategy for Northern Nigeria, describing the region as being in “disarray.”
“The North needs a clear plan; we must assess where we are and where we want to be,” he stated. He emphasized the importance of strategic resource management and governance reforms.
Under the leadership of the Northern Governors Forum (NGF), chaired by Gombe State Governor Muhammad Inuwa Yahaya, Bala said efforts are being made to change the region’s narrative. He noted that similar initiatives had started within the North-East Governors’ Forum and were now being adopted nationwide.
He also stressed the need for accountability, transparency, and trust between the government and the people, calling for leadership that mirrors the values of past Northern statesmen like Sir Ahmadu Bello and Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa.
“These great leaders left us a legacy of unity and good governance. We must preserve and pass it on to future generations,” Bala said.
The governor criticized the declining quality of governance across the country, attributing it to worsening socio-economic conditions, and urged collective efforts to address these issues.
Reflecting on governance in Bauchi, he highlighted the state’s Medium-Term Development Plan (2021–2025), which was prepared before his election and continues to guide his administration.
“In Bauchi, we lead with a plan. Before we won the election, we had a governance blueprint. If we had lost, we would have handed it over to whoever won, to ensure continuity,” Bala stated.
Harnessing Northern Nigeria’s Potential
Dr. Mansur Mukhtar, former Minister of Finance and guest speaker at the event, emphasized that Northern Nigeria is rich in natural resources that, if well-managed, could address many of its socio-economic challenges.
He pointed to agriculture as the region’s historical economic backbone and urged the adoption of modern farming techniques to boost productivity, create jobs, and ensure food security.
Mukhtar also stressed the need for human capital development, with a focus on education, healthcare, and women’s empowerment, as essential drivers of economic growth.
Similarly, Muazu Babangida Aliyu, chairman of the Sir Ahmadu Bello Memorial Foundation’s board of trustees, reaffirmed the foundation’s commitment to preserving the late premier’s legacy and promoting regional development.
