Habeeb Saleh defends Southern presidency arrangement, says Obi’s proposed one-term tenure could strengthen national unity and democratic stability.
By John Ishaku – ABUJA — May 12, 2026
The National Coordinator of the Kwankwasiyya Movement, Habeeb Saleh, has defended the Nigerian Democratic Coalition’s decision to zone the presidency to Southern Nigeria, describing the arrangement as a matter of justice, equity, and national trust.
Saleh, who spoke during an interview on a television programme on Monday, said rotational leadership remains necessary to preserve unity, strengthen democracy, and reassure all regions of inclusiveness in Nigeria’s political system.
Southern Presidency Necessary for National Stability
According to Saleh, although zoning may not have constitutional backing, it has become an important political mechanism for maintaining balance and national cohesion.
“There may not be any written constitutional backing or any legal issue that compels such a decision, but the reality is that decisions must be taken that will stabilise Nigeria and build trust among citizens,” he stated.
He argued that zoning the presidency to the South would reinforce confidence among Nigerians that political actors are acting in the national interest rather than pursuing sectional dominance.
Saleh stressed that respecting the informal rotational arrangement between the North and South remains critical to preserving national unity.
Peter Obi’s One-Term Proposal Backed
The Kwankwasiyya coordinator also defended the proposed one-term presidency being canvassed for former Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi.
According to him, the arrangement could serve as part of a broader national healing process aimed at rebuilding trust among Nigerians and stabilising the country’s democratic structure.
“If we violate that unwritten mutual belief that the South should have eight years and the North should have eight years, we will continue building on something shaky,” he said.
Saleh described Obi as a potential “stabiliser” capable of restoring direction and confidence in the Nigerian democratic process.
Nigerians Now Focused on Credibility — Saleh
Addressing concerns over the electoral strength of the emerging opposition alliance, Saleh argued that Nigeria’s political dynamics have changed significantly since the 2023 elections.
He said many Nigerians are now prioritising credibility, leadership records, and governance performance rather than traditional political calculations.
According to him, both Obi and Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso exceeded expectations during the 2023 elections despite widespread doubts about their electoral viability.
“Nobody believed Peter Obi would secure close to six million votes, and many also doubted Kwankwaso’s political strength, but the dynamics are changing daily,” he said.
Opposition Alliance Planning Massive Voter Mobilisation
Saleh disclosed that the movement is developing strategies to mobilise millions of registered voters who abstained from voting during the 2023 general elections.
He said the coalition intends to engage young Nigerians, undecided voters, and citizens who have lost confidence in the electoral system.
According to him, the alliance hopes to shift Nigeria away from what he described as “transactional politics” and encourage citizens to recognise the power of their votes.
“We have more than 15 million registered Nigerians who did not vote, and we are going to tap into that potential,” he said.
He added that the coalition would soon unveil a detailed political strategy ahead of the 2027 elections.
Why Obi-Kwankwaso Alliance Failed in 2023
Saleh also explained why earlier attempts to unite the Obidient and Kwankwasiyya movements before the 2023 elections failed.
According to him, both camps initially lacked sufficient time and mutual understanding to fully appreciate the political potential of a combined alliance.
He, however, noted that continuous dialogue between both groups eventually strengthened their relationship and produced a shared commitment to collaborate ahead of 2027.
“The discussions never stopped because the sole intention is to ensure Nigeria is saved and given clear direction,” he said.
Coalition Seeks Credible Alternative to APC
The Kwankwasiyya coordinator said the coalition’s main strategy for 2027 would centre on presenting candidates with verifiable records of prudence, integrity, and governance performance.
He maintained that Nigerians are increasingly searching for alternatives capable of addressing the country’s economic and political challenges under the current administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
Saleh expressed confidence that the alliance between the Obidient and Kwankwasiyya movements could present a formidable political challenge in the next general election.
As political alignments ahead of the 2027 elections continue to evolve, calls for rotational leadership, opposition unity, and broader voter mobilisation are expected to shape Nigeria’s political discourse in the coming months.
The growing collaboration between the Obidient and Kwankwasiyya movements may also significantly influence the emerging opposition landscape ahead of the next presidential contest.
![Nigerian military prepares to cordon the area where a man was killed by suspected rebel fighters during an attack around the Polo area of Maiduguri, Nigeria, in 2019 [File: Afolabi Sotunde/Reuters]](https://a1news.com.ng/wp/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/Nigeria-military-on-patrol.webp)
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