The North-Central Renaissance Movement (NCRM) has issued a warning that any political party refusing to zone its presidential ticket to the North-Central geopolitical zone for the 2027 election will face significant electoral repercussions.
The Chairman and Convener of the NCRM, Professor K’tso Nghargbu, delivered this position during a press conference in Abuja. He emphasized that the zone, which comprises the states of Niger, Kogi, Benue, Plateau, Nasarawa, Kwara, and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), has never produced an elected President or Vice President since Nigeria’s independence, despite its consistent contributions to national stability.
“It is our duty and responsibility to state clearly that the North-Central geopolitical zone seeks, requests, and demands that political parties cede their presidential ticket to our region,” Nghargbu stated. He framed the choice for parties in clear terms: “Patronising us means having our votes. Despising us means losing our votes.”
Professor Nghargbu further argued that the North-Central region is uniquely positioned to address Nigeria’s growing political divisions, specifically citing the simmering tension between elites in the far North and their counterparts in the South.
He highlighted the region’s political resources, noting Dr. Gbenga Olawepo-Hashim, a political leader of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the FCT, as an example. Dr. Olawepo-Hashim has signaled his intention to contest the presidency on the PDP platform. The NCRM convener also indicated that other presidential aspirants from the region are welcome to join the race.
“The North-Central is blessed with enormous political resources and human capital. We are capable of addressing Nigeria’s leadership challenges and driving unity at this critical time,” Nghargbu added.
In a related development, the coalition expressed its support for the introduction of independent candidacy into the Nigerian Constitution. The group described this as a necessary remedy to counter the dominance of what it termed “money drunk and godfather drunk” political parties.
“Independent candidature is one of the answers Nigeria needs. It checks the excesses of political parties that deny genuine aspirants a chance,” Nghargbu said.
With the 2027 general election approaching, the NCRM maintains that granting the North-Central zone an opportunity to produce the President is both a matter of equitable representation and a strategic measure to foster peace, unity, and stability across Nigeria.
