Atiku Abubakar Unveils Constitutional Rotational Presidency Plan for 2027
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has announced a bold proposal to establish a constitutional rotational presidency system in Nigeria, should he be elected in the 2027 presidential election. During an interview on Arise Television's Prime Time programme on Wednesday, April 15, 2026, Atiku emphasized that this amendment would ensure equitable power-sharing between the country's southern and northern regions.
Commitment to Constitutional Power Rotation
Atiku declared his unwavering support for zoning the presidency between the South and North, stating that embedding this principle in the constitution would create a more stable and fair framework for political leadership. "If I am president, even if it is the only amendment I can make, I would move towards that," he asserted, highlighting his dedication to institutionalizing rotational governance.
He argued that a constitutional rotational presidency represents the most equitable approach to power-sharing in Nigeria, addressing historical disparities and fostering national unity. This move, he believes, would prevent the concentration of power and promote inclusive political participation across all regions.
PDP's Zoning Policy and Regional Imbalances
Atiku pointed out that the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) is the only political party in Nigeria with an official zoning arrangement embedded in its constitution. "The only political party that has zoning in its constitution is the PDP. The rest do not have it. If anything, all the other political parties are borrowing or learning from the PDP," he noted, underscoring the party's pioneering role in this regard.
He further highlighted a significant imbalance in presidential tenure between the South and North, revealing that the South has governed for 18 years compared to the North's 10 years. "The South has governed for 18 years and the North for 10, so who is in the deficit?" he questioned, emphasizing the need for corrective measures through constitutional rotation.
Historical Context and Personal Evolution
Reflecting on past constitutional debates, Atiku admitted that he initially opposed a proposal for rotational presidency by the late former Vice President Alex Ekwueme. "There was an argument between the late Alex Ekwueme and myself. He proposed a provision in the constitution for rotational presidency, and I opposed it," he recalled, indicating a shift in his perspective over time towards supporting this mechanism for national stability.
ADC Coalition and Consensus Building
As a presidential aspirant for the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Atiku reiterated his promotion of consensus as the primary method for selecting the party's candidate. He explained that direct primaries would only be pursued if consensus efforts fail among ADC aspirants, stressing that consensus is vital for preserving Nigeria's democracy.
He also signaled his readiness to support a consensus candidate within the ADC coalition, including stepping aside for figures like Peter Obi if chosen. "Unity and consensus remain the coalition's priority," he affirmed during the interview, demonstrating his commitment to collaborative politics.
This proposal comes amid ongoing political discussions about power rotation and equity in Nigeria's governance structure, positioning Atiku as a key advocate for constitutional reforms ahead of the 2027 elections.
