By joshua 
North Central Leaders Insist on 2027 Presidency, Caution Parties Against Marginalisation
The clamour for Nigeria’s top seat took a new turn over the weekend as the North-Central Renaissance Movement (NCRM) declared that the 2027 presidency must be ceded to the region, warning political parties not to sideline its people.
At a press briefing in Abuja, the group’s chairman, Professor K’tso Nghargbu, stressed that the zone, which includes Niger, Kogi, Benue, Plateau, Nasarawa, Kwara States and the Federal Capital Territory, has never produced an elected president or vice president despite its loyalty to successive governments since independence.
“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 is strategically placed to bridge the widening gaps between elites in the North and South, making it a stabilising force in Nigeria’s democracy.
He also cited notable figures from the region, such as Dr Gbenga Olawepo-Hashim of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), who has already indicated interest to contest, adding that other aspirants from the zone were welcome to join the race.
“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 noted.
The movement further backed calls for the inclusion of independent candidacy in the constitution, arguing that it would break the dominance of political parties that often favour money and godfather influence over merit.
“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 campaigns for the 2027 general election gathering steam, the NCRM maintained that giving the North-Central a shot at the presidency is not only about equity but a step towards peace, unity and stability in Nigeria.