Why we should rotate power

In Nigeria, a multi-ethnic and diverse nation, the need to alternate power across the zones and districts of the country cannot be overemphasised. This is because power rotation can be a veritable tool for our national integration, unity, inclusion, peace and political stability.

For democracy to thrive anywhere, it must be adapted to suit the political reality of its environment. For the progress of our democracy, equity and equality should define its process. We need to reach certain peculiar compromises in respect to our political reality for the sake of our cohesion as a people. And one way to achieve such is zoning and rotating power. Our political parties also need to make commitment and have a formula of zoning their tickets to under-represented and minority regions. This is not an undemocratic practice.

The uncertainties surrounding power equation has been a long-time source of socio-political tension and the bane of national cohesion. Certain zones and regions feel being denied political power, and this has led to emotive violence and social unrest. The way forward to bring about political stability in the country is to embrace political rotation with open arms.

This is not to say that power rotation plays down on merit.

Political rotation can also incorporate both the “turn by turn” and “competence” to accommodate and produce a credible candidate from an under-represented zone. We need to realise that merit and power rotation can go hand-in-hand. We can achieve inclusion while also ensuring good governance.

Moreover, there is no zone, region or senatorial district in any state in Nigeria that does not have competent and credible people to occupy political office. So, when we zone an electoral position to a particular region or district, it does not necessarily mean we are excluding merit.

There are several instances. In 1999, two parties zoned the presidential ticket to the South West as compensation for the annulled June 12, 1993, presidential election. A similar situation played out in subsequent presidential elections. This also happened at the state level where gubernatorial tickets were zoned to districts across the state.

Thus, as we approach the electoral polls in 2022, starting with the Ekiti gubernatorial election, we need to advocate zoning, power shift and rotation of governance right from party primaries.

In a country with ethnic and religious differences in geopolitical zones like Nigeria and with senatorial districts in states where some regard others as minorities, it is only fair and reasonable for us to rotate or share power in a way that everybody and region will have a sense of belonging.

Particularly, in our states and local governments, we should endeavour not to allow a certain district or constituency occupy most key positions in a way that excludes other zones. An equitable and equal power rotation system should begin from the lowest tier of government. Right from when producing a chairman to the president.

In the interest of peace and progress, power rotation is worth adopting in order to accommodate everyone and give every region or sub-region a sense of belonging.

Therefore, we need a reform in our political system to bring about an all-inclusive governance structure and to address our national challenges. This is the only way decision-making and political participation in any state can be inclusive. This will go a long way in making us have a participatory democracy where every region knows they are or will next be part of the table deciding their fate.

Agbaje Ayomide agbajeayomide001@gmail.com