2027: Nigeria must move beyond North-South politics, says Baba-Ahmed

Hakeem Baba-Ahmed, National Chairman of Nigeria's Peoples Redemption Party (PRP), has called for a fundamental shift in the country's political landscape, urging citizens to prioritize competence and integrity over regional or ethnic considerations when selecting leaders. Speaking during a News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) interview, Baba-Ahmed emphasized that Nigeria's deep-seated problems necessitate capable individuals at the helm, rather than candidates chosen based on their geographical origin.

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As a northerner, I am completely comfortable supporting Donald Duke because he is the best candidate available to us, not because he comes from the South.

The PRP has explicitly rejected the politics of zoning and regional entitlement, a stance exemplified by its presidential candidate for the 2027 general elections, Donald Duke, a former governor of Cross River State. Baba-Ahmed, identifying himself as a northerner, expressed his full support for Duke, not because of his southern origin, but because he is considered the best candidate available to the party. This approach, he argued, is crucial for learning from past experiences and moving away from leadership choices influenced by ethnic, religious, or regional sentiments.

Baba-Ahmed asserted that the issues confronting Nigerians today, poverty, insecurity, and unemployment, transcend regional divides, affecting every part of the country equally. He revealed that all three aspirants who vied for the PRP's presidential ticket were from southern Nigeria, with no northern aspirant participating in the race. The party's choice of Duke, he explained, resulted from a transparent electoral process that identified him as possessing the necessary leadership qualities.

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We have reached a point where the country should ask who can solve our problems, not where the person comes from.

The PRP chairman also criticized the growing trend of politicians exploiting ethnic and regional divisions for political gain, stating that such practices undermine national cohesion and divert attention from effective governance. He believes Nigeria's future hinges on embracing merit-based leadership and fostering a political culture that rewards competence and performance. The PRP remains committed to promoting issue-based politics, encouraging Nigerians to evaluate candidates on their records, character, and capacity to deliver good governance, with the conviction that Duke's candidacy can bridge regional, ethnic, and religious divides.

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The problems confronting Nigerians today are not northern or southern issues. Poverty, insecurity and unemployment affect every part of the country.