Debate grows as Nigerians suggest Tinubu, Obi, Atiku should run regions separately

DDM News

(DDM) – A trending social media post has sparked nationwide debate after suggesting that Nigeria experiment with a form of regional governance by allowing three of its most prominent political figures, Peter Obi, Bola Tinubu, and Atiku Abubakar, to independently manage separate regions for the next eight years.

The post, which has been widely circulated on WhatsApp and other platforms, features photos of the trio from the 2023 presidential election campaigns, alongside the caption: “Won’t it be better to have regional government where these three individuals will be allowed to manage their regions independently for the next 8 years so we see what becomes of each region afterwards? Just thinking aloud…”

Diaspora Digital Media (DDM) gathered that the idea, while unconventional, has attracted significant public attention because it touches on two sensitive issues in Nigeria’s political discourse, performance-based leadership and the long-running calls for restructuring.

Peter Obi, the Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, enjoyed overwhelming support from parts of Southern Nigeria, particularly the South-East and South-South.

His campaign focused heavily on anti-corruption, prudent economic management, and an emphasis on human capital development.

Supporters often cite his tenure as Anambra State governor, where he was known for reducing debts and investing in education.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate, won the 2023 election and is currently Nigeria’s leader. A former Lagos State governor, Tinubu built a reputation for expanding Lagos’ internally generated revenue, infrastructural development, and political networking.

His critics, however, have often questioned the sustainability of his methods and alleged political patronage.

Atiku Abubakar, the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) candidate, is a former Vice President of Nigeria and a seasoned businessman.

He has consistently campaigned on economic liberalisation, restructuring, and job creation, promising to harness private sector expertise to stimulate national growth.

The hypothetical proposal of assigning each man a region, potentially the South-East/South-South for Obi, the South-West for Tinubu, and the North for Atiku, is being viewed by some Nigerians as an “experiment” to directly compare leadership styles and results.

Proponents argue it could reveal which governance model best delivers on development, security, and economic progress.

However, constitutional experts point out that Nigeria currently operates as a federal republic under the 1999 Constitution, which does not permit such an arrangement.

Implementing this idea would require extensive constitutional amendments, possible referendums, and broad political consensus, all of which are historically difficult to achieve.

Political analysts also note that the debate mirrors earlier demands for “true federalism” and regional autonomy, concepts dating back to Nigeria’s First Republic when regions enjoyed significant self-governance before the military era ushered in a more centralised system.

As discussions unfold, the post’s “just thinking aloud” disclaimer has not stopped Nigerians from engaging in heated arguments across social media platforms.

Whether seen as a satirical jab at underperformance or as a serious restructuring proposal, the conversation underscores a growing public appetite for leadership accountability and alternative governance models.

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