?By EMMANUEL MOGBEDE

The North-Central Renaissance Movement (NCRM) has warned that parties ignoring a North-Central 2027 presidential ticket risk losing the region’s votes

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that NCRM is a political pressure group with Prof. K’tso Nghargbu as its Chairman.

Nghargbu gave the warning at a news conference on Tuesday in Abuja while reacting to the Peoples Democratic Party’s (PDP) decision to zone its 2027 presidential ticket to the South.

He said Nigerians were tired of recycled leaders.

He noted that the North-Central remained the bridge-builder the nation needed, being home to major ethnic groups and endowed with the largest concentration of mineral resources.

“I want to emphasise that any political party that is not willing to zone its 2027 presidential ticket to the North, and particularly the North-Central zone, may not and will not have the votes of the zone.

?“With the highest number of ethnic groups and hosting the three major tribes of the Hausa and Fulani in all the states.

“The Yorubas in Kogi and Kwara, as well as the Igbos in Kogi and Benue, the zone embodies the spirit of inclusivity that Nigeria aspires to,” Nghargbu said.

??He explained that the zone’s agitation was tied to the quest for good governance, which thrived on peace, unity and justice.

He added that the North-Central had long been denied the opportunity to produce a civilian president since independence.

Nghargbu emphasised the region’s contributions to Nigeria’s economic and political development, noting its role in powering the nation through numerous hydroelectric dams.

“As the only geopolitical zone yet to produce a civilian president or vice-president since Nigeria’s independence, the North-Central’s time to lead is now.

“Our zone has laid a robust foundation for economic diversification, showcasing our commitment to national progress,” he said.

He underscored the North-Central’s role in fostering national unity, particularly during the Nigerian civil war, and its consistent support for candidates from other regions.

“The North-Central has been a pillar of national cohesion, a geopolitical bridge embodying Nigeria’s diversity with its mix of ethnic groups, including Hausa, Fulani, Yoruba in Kogi and Kwara, and Igbo in Kogi and Benue,” he said.

He said the zone’s diversity equipped it to produce a leader capable of managing Nigeria’s complex social fabric and promoting inclusivity.

Nghargbu highlighted the region’s wealth of talent, saying it had produced exceptional leaders, technocrats, and professionals ready to deliver transformative governance for Nigerians.

He described the zone’s 2027 presidential aspiration as an opportunity to strengthen Nigeria’s democracy and promote regional unity.

He added that a North-Central presidency would help address current challenges while laying the foundation for a prosperous future. (NAN)

• PHOTO: PROF. K’Tso Nghargbu, Chairman North-Central Renaissance Movement, briefing newsmen on zoning of 2027 presidential tick on Tuesday in Abuja