Gov Fintiri Insists 2027 Presidency Should Remain in the South

Governor Umaru Fintiri of Adamawa State has declared that the presidency should remain in the southern region of Nigeria in 2027, arguing that the South deserves to complete eight uninterrupted years in office in keeping with the country’s long-standing power-sharing understanding.

Speaking during an interview on Sunrise Daily, a programme on Channels Television, the Governor Fintiri emphasised that while zoning is not enshrined in the Constitution, it plays a vital role in sustaining national cohesion. Governor Fintiri maintained that respecting rotational leadership is essential if Nigeria is to strengthen unity and political stability ahead of the next general election cycle.

Zoning and the Argument for Continuity

Governor Umaru Fintiri stated unequivocally that, in his view, “a northerner has no business at the moment to vie for the office of the president.” According to him, the South’s turn in the spirit of zoning should be respected to allow for completion of an eight-year tenure.

He stressed that although Nigeria’s Constitution does not formally recognise zoning, the practice has served as an informal mechanism to manage the country’s ethnic and regional diversity. By allowing the South to complete a potential second term under the current administration, he argued, the nation would demonstrate consistency and commitment to equitable power rotation.

President Bola Tinubu, who hails from the South, is currently serving his first term in office. Fintiri’s remarks therefore align with the expectation that the presidency, under existing political convention, should remain in the region through 2027 if the incumbent seeks re-election.

Governor; Fintiri Relationship with Atiku and Political Realignment

Governor Fintiri also addressed questions about his relationship with former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar, who is likewise from Adamawa State. Despite recent political developments, Fintiri described their relationship as cordial and unaffected by party differences.

Atiku, who is preparing for the 2027 presidential contest, is now working with the African Democratic Congress. Fintiri, on the other hand, recently defected from the Peoples Democratic Party to the All Progressives Congress. He maintained that political alignment does not necessarily translate into personal discord, noting that individuals are entitled to pursue differing political paths.

Responding to criticism that his defection contributes to concerns about Nigeria drifting towards a one-party system, the governor defended his decision as strategic. He explained that aligning with the ruling party was intended to position Adamawa State more favourably in attracting federal attention, development projects, and economic opportunities.

Development Priorities and the 2027 Outlook

Fintiri, who is serving his second and final term as governor, underscored that his political move was guided primarily by what he described as the interests of the people of Adamawa State. According to him, governance is not solely about electoral victories but about securing tangible benefits for constituents.

He argued that stronger collaboration with the federal government could enhance development prospects for the state. In his view, political alignment can facilitate smoother access to federal support and strategic partnerships, thereby accelerating infrastructure and socio-economic progress.

As political actors gradually begin positioning for 2027, debates over zoning, party realignments, and national unity are expected to intensify. Governor Fintiri’s comments add to the evolving national conversation on leadership succession and the future direction of Nigeria’s democratic process.