In a recent interview on Arise TV, former Rivers State governor and former Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi, spoke on zoning, national unity, and merit-based leadership in Nigeria ahead of the 2027 general elections.
During the interview, Amaechi stated, “Obi said, ‘It is the turn of the South’, and I replied, ‘South or North, let merit decide.’” He made the remark while discussing debates around zoning arrangements and how political offices should be allocated in a diverse country like Nigeria.
Amaechi explained that while zoning has historically played a role in Nigeria’s political structure, it should not override competence and capacity. According to him, the most important factor in choosing leaders should be their ability to deliver good governance and address the country’s pressing challenges.
The former governor argued that Nigeria’s development requires leaders who are selected based on merit rather than regional entitlement. He maintained that every part of the country has capable individuals, and restricting leadership selection strictly to zoning could limit access to the best candidates.
Amaechi further stated that national unity can only be strengthened when citizens and political actors begin to prioritize competence over sectional interests. He noted that persistent economic and security challenges demand experienced and effective leadership rather than symbolic political arrangements.
The former Minister also emphasized that democracy thrives when voters are allowed to choose freely among qualified candidates without undue pressure from ethnic or regional considerations. He argued that elections should serve as a platform to evaluate ideas, track records, and leadership capacity.
Amaechi concluded by calling on Nigerians to focus on performance-based politics, insisting that merit must remain the guiding principle in determining who leads the country, regardless of geographical origin or political affiliation…See More
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