A leader in the African Democratic Congress and former governorship hopeful in Edo State, Kenneth Imasuagbon, has called on Nigerians to focus on competence rather than zoning or region when choosing the next president in 2027.
Imasuagbon stated that the idea of a rotational presidency is not in the Constitution. He urged voters to back a candidate who can handle the country's economic and security issues.
He spoke to reporters on Saturday in Benin.
"Is rotation in the Constitution? We should be talking about rotating hunger for food, poor schools for good schools, and poor healthcare for good healthcare. I don’t care where the President of Nigeria is from. What really matters is a president that is competent to fix Nigeria," he said.
The ADC leader urged Nigerians to elect a leader who can deal with insecurity, create jobs, improve infrastructure, and promote national unity.
"We need a president that can tackle insecurity, provide jobs, build infrastructure, and unite Nigerians. Atiku has shown determination and ability to make Nigeria work again. You can tell a man who will perform by his consistency, even when things are tough. That is how you know someone who truly wants to serve," Imasuagbon added.
He specifically asked voters in the South to back the presidential bid of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar for the 2027 election, saying he has what it takes to drive the needed development in the country.
Imasuagbon described Atiku as a candidate who can unify the country and address what he called imbalances in governance.
He said Nigeria needs a president who will ensure fairness and inclusiveness in the sharing of political power, economic opportunities, and appointments.
The former governorship aspirant also criticized what he sees as increasing regional and ethnic factors in governance under President Bola Tinubu's administration. He insisted that the country needs a leader who can rise above such issues.
He said, "I am calling on voters in the South to support the ambition of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar in the 2027 election. He would correct the unfair distribution of power and economic inequality. What we need is a president who will be fair to everyone, even in appointments.
"We need an Atiku who will unify the country. We need a president who will be fair to all and give every part of Nigeria a sense of belonging."
On the chance of the ruling All Progressives Congress using its incumbency advantage in the upcoming election, the Edo-born politician stated that the real power lies with the voters. "There is nothing like the power of incumbency when the people are determined. What we have is the people and God’s power. If the people want their power back, there is nothing the APC can do."
“For almost four years now, we have seen the economic policies of the Tinubu administration, including the removal of subsidy, causing pain to Nigerians with higher costs and taxes, while some businesses are struggling to survive."
Imasuagbon also raised concerns about the state of infrastructure and electricity supply, saying the next administration should focus on roads, power, and other key infrastructure.
"The same government that promised to provide electricity must be judged by its performance. We need a president who can fix the broken infrastructure across the country. Some of us today find it extremely difficult to travel home. Where are the motorable roads?" he asked.
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