The clamour for Nigeria’s top leadership seat is gaining momentum as the North-Central Renaissance Movement (NCRM) has declared that the presidency must shift to the zone in 2027. The group cautioned political parties that any attempt to sideline the region would attract electoral consequences.

At a press briefing in Abuja, the group’s chairman and convener, Professor K’tso Nghargbu, lamented that despite its role in sustaining Nigeria’s unity, the North Central has never produced an elected president or vice president since independence. The zone comprises Kwara, Kogi, Niger, Benue, Plateau, Nasarawa States and the Federal Capital Territory.

“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. Patronising us means having our votes. Despising us means losing our votes,” Nghargbu said.

According to him, the North-Central holds the key to bridging the political divide between the North and the South, stressing that the region is blessed with the human capacity to offer solutions to the country’s leadership challenges.

He pointed to notable leaders from the zone, including Dr. Gbenga Olawepo-Hashim, a Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) chieftain in Abuja, who has already declared interest in the 2027 race. He added that the zone would welcome more credible aspirants into the contest.

“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,” he stated.

The movement also endorsed calls for independent candidacy to be enshrined in the Nigerian Constitution, describing it as a remedy against what it termed “money drunk and godfather drunk” political structures.

“Independent candidature is one of the answers Nigeria needs. It checks the excesses of political parties that deny genuine aspirants a chance,” Nghargbu added.

With the 2027 elections drawing closer, the NCRM maintained that ceding the presidency to the North-Central is not just an issue of fairness, but a strategic decision to strengthen peace, unity, and stability across the country.