By Sunday Apah
As Nigeria gears up for another significant election, the Southern Youth Movement (SYM), a prominent advocacy group, has urged the Southern regions—including the South West, South South, and South East—to closely examine the current political landscape and collectively support the reelection of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in 2027.
During a press conference held in Egbema, Delta State, National Leader of SYM, High Chief Promise Lawuru (also known as Ozigizaga), emphasized that the upcoming election transcends mere party loyalty, framing it as a critical moment for regional equity, national balance, and long-term political strategy.
“We call on all individuals in Southern Nigeria to unite behind President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s reelection campaign, even if it requires setting aside personal party affiliations,” he stated.
Lawuru highlighted that Nigeria has historically adhered to a system of rotating presidential power between the North and the South, which has played a vital role in managing ethnic tensions and fostering national unity.
“Therefore, if the Southern regions fail to support a sitting Southern president, it would disrupt this established pattern and strengthen claims from the North that the South lacks the political resolve to hold power collectively. This could undermine Southern influence in future political dynamics,” he warned.
He further elaborated that allowing certain northern factions to demand a return of power to the North after just one term of Southern leadership could create a precarious situation.
“Such a development would lead to prolonged Northern dominance in power while relegating the South to mere symbolic, one-term presidencies, gradually diminishing the South’s political standing,” Lawuru argued.
“Supporting Tinubu’s reelection goes beyond party lines; it is an issue of regional solidarity and unity. When the South West, South South, and South East come together to vote, it showcases their collective strength.
“This unity not only boosts the South’s negotiating power at the federal level but also conveys that the region is capable of safeguarding its interests. In the realm of politics, respect and recognition are garnered through unity and consistency.”
The Southern Youth Leader asserted, “A second term for President Tinubu ensures continuity in tackling these vital issues. Development takes time, and abandoning initiatives midway often forces us to start anew.”
“Although voting should ideally hinge on merit, vision, and performance rather than ethnicity, when a particular bloc continually employs ethnic mobilization to secure and maintain power, others must strategically respond to protect their interests.
“Supporting Tinubu is not merely about his individual candidacy; it’s about reinforcing the principle that every region deserves an equitable opportunity for national leadership. It stands for equity, fairness, and democratic justice.”
“This moment calls for strategic clarity rather than partisan emotions. The South must broaden its perspective beyond party affiliations and focus on the larger goal of preserving political equity within Nigeria’s evolving democracy. Tinubu’s reelection is not just a political choice; it is a regional necessity,” Lawuru concluded.
