ZONING IN NIGERIA IS ANOTHER WORD FOR ROBBERY / MARGINALISATION OF THE SOUTH EAST & NORTH EAST — 2027 MUST CORRECT THE INJUSTICE
Zoning, in theory, was designed as a political stabiliser in a deeply plural society like Nigeria. In practice, however, zoning has become a sophisticated instrument of exclusion, especially against the South East and the North East. What is sold to Nigerians as “equity” has, over time, translated into systematic robbery of opportunity and enduring marginalisation of two entire geopolitical zones.
The Uncomfortable Historical Truth
Since the end of the Nigerian Civil War in 1970, no indigene of the South East or the North East has ever occupied the office of President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces.
The closest either zone has come to that position has been the office of Vice President:
Alex Ekwueme, from the South East, served as Vice President under Shehu Shagari during the Second Republic.
Atiku Abubakar, from the North East, served as Vice President under Olusegun Obasanjo in the PDP-led government.
That is the full extent of proximity. Neither zone has ever “smelt” the presidency.
Military Era: Concentration, Not Balance
Under military rule, the pattern of dominance was equally revealing:
North Central effectively dominated the position of Commander-in-Chief through Yakubu Gowon, Ibrahim Babangida, and Abdulsalami Abubakar.
North West produced Murtala Mohammed and Sani Abacha, both from Kano State.
South West produced Olusegun Obasanjo and Ernest Shonekan.
The South East and North East were spectators, not participants.
Civil Rule Since 1999: Inequality Entrenched
With the return to democracy in 1999, expectations were high that zoning would finally correct historical imbalances. Instead, the injustice became more pronounced:
South West produced Olusegun Obasanjo (PDP) and later Bola Ahmed Tinubu (APC) — two presidents from the same zone.
South South produced Goodluck Jonathan.
North West produced Umaru Musa Yar’Adua and Muhammadu Buhari, both from Katsina State.
Again, neither the South East nor the North East has produced a president.
This exclusion is not due to lack of competence, experience, or national stature. It is purely the consequence of a political structure deliberately skewed against these two zones.
Clearing the Constitutional and Political Smoke
I concede, without hesitation, that:
There is no constitutional provision mandating zoning of the presidency.
Since 1999, aspirants from both the North and South have always contested presidential elections.
However, these facts make it even more difficult to accept the dishonest propaganda pushed by APC-aligned media that it is now “the turn of the South” or that Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu “grabbed power for the South.”
There is no such thing as a collective Southern turn when the South West takes power repeatedly while the South East remains permanently sidelined. I count myself out of any power equation that promotes a fictional Southern entitlement that could hand the South West another four years in 2027 without any guarantee of when the South East would ever have its turn.
If zoning is meant to entrench equity and fairness, what is fair about the South East and North East perpetually clapping for others while nothing is reserved, promised, or structured for them?
A Necessary Alliance: South East & North East
In view of the foregoing, I am firmly of the view that the South East and North East must close ranks to correct this historic imbalance.
Fortunately, history has presented both zones with eminently qualified leaders:
Atiku Abubakar from Adamawa State, North East
Peter Obi from Anambra State, South East
It is significant — and providential — that both leaders are now in the same political platform, the African Democratic Congress (ADC).
Without prejudice to their individual ambitions, I strongly believe that nature has placed on both men the responsibility of correcting a long-standing injustice against their zones. They should therefore work together, not against each other. If they close ranks, both could be presidents in succession.
Their emergence would not only rebalance the federation but also give Nigeria a breath of fresh air, considering their business backgrounds, records of public service, and absence of any proven corruption indictment.
A Caution from Shakespeare
I must advise some of my brothers to be circumspect in their public comments against Atiku Abubakar. They should revisit William Shakespeare’s Macbeth. When the witches prophesied kingship to Macbeth, his reckless attempt to force destiny by killing Duncan led to his tragic downfall and the ruin of Lady Macbeth. He did not need to kill to become king.
History teaches us that impatience and internal sabotage destroy noble causes.
Conclusion
Neither Atiku Abubakar nor Peter Obi should see the other as a rival. History has placed an enormous responsibility on both men. It would be unfair — and dangerous — for either to be forced to sacrifice that responsibility on the altar of ego or propaganda.
Only through South East–North East partnership can the real equity and fairness envisaged by zoning be achieved in Nigeria.
Obunike Ohaegbu
National Coordinator, South East Patriots (SEP)
Writes from his village in Anambra State
09/01/2026
