Arewa Think Tank backs constitutionalised power rotation,

From Noah Ebije, Kaduna

The Arewa Think Tank has endorsed the constitutionalisation of power rotation between Nigeria’s North and South, describing it as a necessary step to safeguard national unity and political stability.

In a statement yesterday, convener of the group, Muhammad Alhaji Yakubu, said giving constitutional backing to rotational presidency would strengthen Nigeria’s fragile political balance and prevent recurring tensions associated with power struggles.

Yakubu was reacting to recent comments by the Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila, who advocated constitutional recognition of power rotation.

He said the proposal reflects the realities of Nigeria’s diversity and the need for clear rules to manage it.

“For over two decades, power rotation has helped stabilise the country by managing its deep ethnic and regional diversity. However, relying solely on informal political agreements leaves the system vulnerable to betrayal and manipulation. Constitutional backing will provide clarity, certainty and fairness,” Yakubu said.

According to him, informal elite consensus has increasingly come under strain, leading to mistrust and repeated political crises.

“A constitutionally guaranteed rotational presidency will remove ambiguity, reduce suspicion and prevent the domination of power by any one region under shifting political calculations.”

Yakubu said Gbajabiamila’s intervention should be taken seriously, noting that such a position reflects broader thinking within the political leadership.

“In our system, comments of this nature from a Chief of Staff are not made lightly. They point to a growing recognition that Nigeria needs stronger constitutional mechanisms to manage power and preserve unity.”

He argued that constitutionalising power rotation ahead of future elections, including 2027, would help lower political temperature and provide a predictable framework for political competition.

“Clear rules reduce desperation. When all regions know when it is their turn, elections become less about survival and more about governance,” Yakubu said.

The Arewa Think Tank convener dismissed fears that constitutional power rotation would weaken democracy, insisting that it would instead promote inclusion and national balance.

He noted that the North, despite facing challenges such as insecurity, poverty and food shortages, remains committed to a united Nigeria built on fairness and mutual respect.

“The North is dealing with banditry, insurgency and economic hardship. These challenges make national cohesion even more important. Constitutional power rotation is not a threat; it is a stabilising tool.”

Yakubu also acknowledged that constitutional amendments require wide legislative and state-level support but expressed confidence that Nigerians across regions would see the long-term benefits.

“This is not about exclusion. It is about equity. A constitution that reflects our political realities will reduce conflict and strengthen the federation.”

He called on lawmakers, governors, civil society organisations and political leaders across the country to support the move, describing it as a proactive step toward preventing future crises.

“Nigeria survives on negotiated balance. Entrenching power rotation in the Constitution will protect that balance for generations to come,” Yakubu said.