In the mosaic of Nigeria’s complex existence, where diverse religions, cultures, values, and languages weave a tapestry both vibrant and fragile, the pursuit of unity remains a delicate dance.
The gentleman’s agreement an unwritten but sacred pact to alternate the presidency between the North and South every eight years emerges as the only viable bridge to a peaceful, equitable, and mature democracy. Yet, the whispers of some Northern leaders, poised to contest the presidency in 2027 despite the South’s ongoing tenure, threaten to unravel this fragile covenant. This betrayal of trust, driven by selfish ambition, risks plunging Nigeria into deeper division, undermining the very foundation of its democratic journey.
The gentleman’s agreement is not merely a political arrangement. It is a beacon of hope, a testament to the belief that Nigeria can rise above its fault lines. For a nation where the North and South differ in faith, traditions, and worldviews, this pact ensures balance, fostering a sense of belonging for all.
It acknowledges the reality that Nigeria’s unity is not a given but a deliberate act of compromise and goodwill. By granting eight years to the North and eight to the South, the agreement tempers the flames of regional rivalry, offering each side a fair stake in the nation’s leadership. It is a pragmatic solution to a country whose diversity, while beautiful, can be a source of tension if not carefully managed.
To insist on a Northerner contesting the presidency in 2027, before the South completes its rightful term, is not just a breach of trust it is a reckless gamble with Nigeria’s fragile peace. The North, having held power from 2015 to 2023, must honor the spirit of reciprocity that this agreement embodies. To do otherwise is to fan the embers of distrust, giving credence to those who argue that Nigeria’s unity is a mirage.
Northern leaders of goodwill, who dream of a new Nigeria where justice and fairness reign, must rise above the temptations of power. They must resist the siren calls of selfish ambition that threaten to destabilize the nation’s democratic progress. The agreement is not a shackle. It is a compass, guiding Nigeria toward a future where no region feels marginalized or silenced.
The danger lies not only in the immediate disruption but in the precedent it sets. If Northern leaders, or their supporters, choose to ignore this pact in 2027, what will stop them from conveniently invoking it in 2031, claiming it is “the North’s turn” once again? Such inconsistency would mock the very principles of fairness and equity that the agreement seeks to uphold. It would expose a troubling double standard, where the rules are honored only when they serve narrow interests.
Northerners who support this ill conceived push must reflect deeply. To betray the agreement now is to sow seeds of discord that will haunt future generations, eroding trust in the democratic process and deepening the fissures that already threaten Nigeria’s unity.
The gentleman’s agreement is not perfect, but it is a necessary compromise in a nation still learning to navigate its diversity. It is a stepping stone toward a democracy where power is not a zero sum game but a shared responsibility.
For Northerners with a vision for a new Nigeria, one where peace, progress, and mutual respect define the national ethos, the path forward is clear. Uphold the agreement, not out of weakness, but out of strength and conviction. Let 2027 be a testament to the North’s commitment to fairness, a moment when leaders and citizens alike choose unity over division, trust over suspicion, and hope over chaos.
Nigeria’s journey to a mature democracy is not a sprint but a marathon, one that demands patience, sacrifice, and an unwavering commitment to the greater good. The gentleman’s agreement is the thread that holds this journey together, a delicate but powerful covenant that can guide Nigeria toward a future where its diversity is a source of strength, not strife. Let us hope that Northern leaders of goodwill, and the people who stand with them, will not allow selfish ambitions to tear this thread apart. For in honoring this agreement, Nigeria finds not just peace, but the promise of a democracy that truly belongs to all.