Professor Haruna Yerima, a chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), has denounced recent calls by a North-Central political group for the vice-presidency to be zoned to their region ahead of the 2027 elections.
In a strongly worded statement issued yesterday, Yerima described the demand as “ill-timed, diversionary, insensitive, and in poor taste,” warning that such agitation could destabilize the political equilibrium that has held since Nigeria’s return to civilian rule in 1999.
“Between 1999 and 2003, President Olusegun Obasanjo maintained Atiku Abubakar for eight years. President Goodluck Jonathan had Namadi Sambo for six years, from 2010 to 2014,” he recalled.
The former federal lawmaker also questioned the rationale behind the current agitation.
“When the APC won the elections in 2015, President Muhammadu Buhari worked with Professor Yemi Osinbajo for eight years. Why change now?” he queried.
His remarks come on the heels of a statement by the North-Central Renaissance Movement, led by Professor Nghargbu K’tso, threatening to withdraw support for President Bola Tinubu unless a vice-presidential candidate from the North-Central is considered in 2027.
The group reportedly held closed-door consultations with prominent political figures including former National Security Adviser, General Aliyu Gusau; former senator John Danboyi; and the Onah of Abaji, His Royal Highness Alhaji Musa Baba Yunusa.
The group claims that the North-Central has endured 65 years of political marginalization.
Responding to the development, Professor Yerima warned against manipulating the president into making decisions under pressure.
“Blackmailing Tinubu to change his deputy is not only undemocratic but also insensitive. The choice of Vice President rests solely with the president. Therefore, pressuring him to pick someone he neither likes nor knows is counterproductive, based on political experience,” he said.
He emphasized the importance of political stability and respect for constitutional roles, urging political groups to focus on strengthening democratic institutions rather than engaging in divisive campaigns.
