Group Demands Southern Presidency, Calls for INEC Chair Resignation

A political advocacy group, led by Magnus Oraka, has called for a Southern presidency in the upcoming 2027 general elections, emphasizing the need for the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) Chairman, Joash Amupitan, to resign immediately due to alleged partisanship. The group, representing the African Democratic Congress (ADC), argues that the current political landscape is imbalanced, with the North having held power for an extended period since Nigeria's independence in 1960.

They contend that allowing a Northern candidate to run in 2027 would fracture opposition votes and undermine the South's representation. Oraka criticized former Vice President Atiku Abubakar's assertion that the North deserves to produce the next president, stating it distracts from national cohesion.

The group also accused Amupitan of compromising the integrity of the electoral process and demanded his resignation, asserting that free and fair elections are impossible under his leadership. They reiterated their stance on the necessity of a Southern candidate to ensure equitable political representation.