Former Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity to ex-Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, Laolu Akande, has asserted that rotational presidency is now entrenched in Nigeria’s political system, emphasizing that efforts to terminate Southern presidency in 2027 would be futile.
Akande made these remarks during an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Sunday in Lagos, where he described ongoing political merger talks and attempts to shift power back to the North as unrealistic.
Southern Presidency in 2027
“It is mere child’s play to think Southern presidency can be terminated in 2027,” Akande said. “Nigeria has moved beyond that. The South is entitled to its eight years, just as the North will have its turn afterward.
“Rotational presidency has become a national consensus, ensuring a balance of power between the South and the North. Any attempt to reverse this system is bound to fail,” he added.
Opposition Mergers Won’t Solve Nigeria’s Problems
Commenting on discussions about potential political mergers among opposition parties to challenge the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in 2027, Akande dismissed such strategies as inadequate for addressing the country’s core challenges.
“All these merger talks will not resolve Nigeria’s problems. In 2014, a merger created the APC, sparking national hope. Nine years later, where are we? We’re still grappling with the same unresolved issues.
“Even if another merger succeeds, it will only replace the faces in government, not tackle the systemic problems. Fundamental issues must be addressed, and they cannot be left solely to politicians,” he noted.
Call for National Unity
Akande urged Nigerians to unite against shared challenges and engage in meaningful discussions ahead of the 2027 elections. Key topics he identified include the rule of law, poverty alleviation, anti-corruption measures, local government autonomy, restructuring, and constitutional reforms.
“Politicians benefit from the current system, but Nigerians must push for a national consensus to address the critical issues holding the country back,” he said.
The former presidential aide emphasized that enduring progress could only be achieved through deliberate and inclusive reforms rather than mere political maneuvers.
