GRPolitics

I Support Zoning “With My Full Chest”

Article By: Chukwuemeka Oluka

Published

4 years ago

January 26, 2022

grassroots

The catch phrase, “with my full chest” gained popularity during the concluded Big Brother Naija (BBN) reality TV show, season 5. It was credited to a female contestant, Dorathy Bachor when in her acceptance speech for being nominated as a deputy head of house (DHoH) said, “I accept with my full chest” – meaning that she accepted the nomination. Since then, the phrase has gone pretty viral to underscore someone’s complete endorsement of something or decision.

To be candid, I usually do not like to get myself involved in the debate or controversy of zoning; but to my greatest surprise, I am now making a renege on this decision. How this came about, I am yet to decipher ***chuckles***. My decision to write on this topic has therefore put me in a position where I am forced to take a stand; and yes, I make bold to say that I support zoning, and I support it with my full chest.

Sincerely, the politics of zoning is indeed an incredibly vast topic. But this article takes a visible approach; it restricts the exercise within the boundaries of Nigeria with a case study on the South-East geopolitical zone. Therefore, the article tries to establish a nexus between the concept, “zoning” and how it can be of benefit to “Ndi-Igbo” and the entire country at large.

But what really constitutes Zoning? The Oxford dictionary of African Politics describes Zoning as, “a political practice in Nigeria under which political parties agree to split their presidential and vice-presidential candidates between the North and South of the country and also to alternate the home area of the president between the North and South of the country”. The principle of zoning is designed to ensure that neither the North nor the South of the country is ever permanently excluded from power. This practice is not only restricted to the presidency alone; it can also be seen in state and local government congresses and elections.

The idea of zoning was initially experimented in the second republic, following the Nigeria-Biafra civil war. In the bid to douse the post-war inter-ethnic tensions, party structures began to operate a zoning formula to smoothen some already ruffled feathers. However, the most glaring display of zoning was after the political imbroglio of the annulment of the June 12, 1993 elections and the takeover of power by General Sanni Abacha’s military junta. A number of advocacies rose in support of rotating the presidency between the country’s geopolitical zones. This was because the national feeling and empathy at the time was for the Yorubas to produce the next president to assuage them. This brought on board Chief Olusegun Obasanjo.

Therefore, zoning amongst geopolitical zones received widespread support, but the idea later lost its appeal in favour of a simpler process of rotating power between the North and South. This division was selected to reflect the country’s polarizing religious divide between the dominantly Christian South and the dominantly Muslim North.

Even the truncated 1995 constitution provided for zoning principle, but such principle could not be accounted for in the 1999 constitution. However, there appeared to be an unwritten law in the country that the Presidency be rotated amongst the six zones, with bias for the North and south. Yet, there remained North-South tensions that had been foisted from the British colonial era till date as a result of the divide and rule approaches of the colonial masters not forgetting allegations of colonial favouritism towards Northern Nigeria.

This informed why in the build-up to independence, Southern politicians raised some alarm that the North’s numerical advantage was built to cause their region some marginalization. These tensions continued unabated and have often reached crescendo during elections, leading to calls for some form of zoning arrangement(s) to maintain stability within the country. This, interestingly, is the background that sets the tone for this article.

Now, post-colonial politics saw political parties and zones that had the numerical strength in the electoral arrangement treat those from the politically and electorally disadvantaged area of Nigeria with some level of apathy and injustice. On the premise of such disadvantage, the South-East’s population remained not as big as the population in other regions of the country.

A look at the 2019 voter registration for instance, the North-West flaunts about 18Million registered voters and the whole of South-East zone (with the least number of states) have just about 8Million registered voters. So, if one mixes the voting of the North-West with that of the North-East for instance, their vote alone will always ensure a Northerner wins the presidency with votes from a particular area.

This is why there is need for Nigeria to consider copying the principles of Federal Character alongside that of Educationally Less Developed States (ELDS) into the principle of zoning; at least in an interim period where every geopolitical zone would have tested the office of the President of Nigeria as a nation building strategy.

It is vital to note that it is not just a case of turn by turn; but rather, a case of nation building strategy. As a matter of fact, Nigeria have done many things to build the nation; the authorities tried Federal Government Colleges plus the National Youth Service Corps, (NYSC) to bring people together and have a sense of the country. In like manner, the time is ripe for the country to also copy such a tradition in other to allow all constituent parts to have equal access to key executive offices. This can only be achieved on a balance of play via zoning.

It is in the spirit of zoning that the South-East region should be given the chance to produce the next president come 2023 irrespective of which political party it would come from. This is because, zoning the Presidency to the region will not only give the Igbos some sense of belonging in Nigeria, it will also promote national unity and cohesion. In fact, since the return to democracy in 1999, it is only the South-Eastern zone that is yet to taste power, as the whole of the North, South-West and even South-South have all had a fair shot at the presidency.

It is therefore instructive for political parties to consider zoning their presidential candidacy to the South-East zone come 2023. This is why David Umahi, the current governor of Ebonyi state should be commended for alerting Nigeria’s political consciousness of the need to key into a zoning consideration when he approached the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), to zone the presidency to the South-East before defecting to the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Another reason zoning should be argued to favour the South-East is that, despite being in power for too long a time, the North have remained the most under-developed region with statistics of poverty and illiteracy not ranking in their favour at all. Now, therefore, is the time to give the South-East their fair chance and watch how the Igbo man’s entrepreneurial spirit will transform the fortunes of the regions and Nigeria at large.

But then, there is a vital issue; the Presidency cannot really be zoned to an individual; rather, the presidency can only be zoned to a geopolitical zone and not really given to individuals. Because of this, the Igbo political elite in the South-East should shake off their inertia and turn around and tell Nigerians why they want the zoning principle to favour them. They should tell Nigerians they are available and ready to lead Nigeria. This is because, they all appear to be laid back and watching the drama, thinking and waiting for the day when everybody will say, “Okay, nobody from other zones will run; so, go and have a meeting and bring us a candidate”. That’s never going to happen.

So, what is required today is constructive engagement by the Igbo political elite. They need to stand up to be counted and to tell the country what they are bringing to bear in Nigeria in the wake of zoning.

Summarily, the idea of “zoning” – the idea of an affirmative action to make each zone have a sense of belonging – is important and pretty critical for the holistic nation building project. This is why I will continue to support zoning with my full chest; this is why I have written this article. Thank you!

About The Writer

Chukwuemeka Oluka is a COREN certified Engineer and graduate of Electronic and Computer Engineering from the Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka. He is a passionate writer and a research enthusiast. He tweets @mekus_oluka and can be reached via “[email protected]”

Related Topics:COREN Oluka C'Emeka Zoning

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GRPolitics

Why I Left PDP for APC – Governor Peter Mbah

…Says move is to align Enugu’s progress with national reforms under President Tinubu | Reports ORJI ISRAEL

Published

5 hours ago

October 14, 2025

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Dr. Peter Mbah, Governor of Enugu State

Enugu State Governor, Dr. Peter Ndubuisi Mbah, has formally announced his defection from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), declaring that the decision marks “a new chapter for Enugu” and reflects “a conscious step towards a more compelling future.”

Governor Mbah made the announcement on Tuesday, October 14, 2025, during a special address to the people of Enugu titled “Charting a New Course: Transition from PDP to APC.”

He described the move as a product of long reflection and broad consultation, stressing that it was neither impulsive nor politically expedient but a “strategic alignment” designed to deepen Enugu’s transformation and secure federal partnership for the state’s long-term development.

A Moment of Reflection and Renewal

In his address, the governor began by expressing gratitude to God and the people of Enugu, noting that his journey so far had been anchored on trust and shared vision.

“At a time when confidence in political leaders had almost collapsed, Ndi Enugu chose to believe in us. When I declared that ‘Tomorrow Is Here’, you put aside skepticism and stood by us. Without that trust, the transformation we see today would never have happened,” Mbah said.

He highlighted major achievements recorded under his administration in less than three years, including:

Smart Green Schools nearing completion across the state,
Primary healthcare centres established in all 260 wards,
Crime rate reduction by 80%,
Massive infrastructure projects, including over 1,000 km of paved roads,
AI-driven Command and Control Centre and 150 distress response vehicles,
Revamped water supply,
600% growth in Internally Generated Revenue, and
Revitalized state assets such as Hotel Presidential and Nigergas.

He also noted that Enugu had earned national recognition as the Cleanest State in Nigeria, winning the Renewed Hope Initiative’s Model Green State Award.

Appreciation to PDP, But Time for Bold Choices

Governor Mbah commended the PDP for providing the platform that brought him to power, describing the party as “a house where Enugu had shared history, struggles, and victories.”

However, he emphasized that leadership sometimes demands “painful but necessary decisions” for the greater good.

“After long reflection, we have made the decision to leave the PDP and join the APC. This is no whimsical decision. It’s a collective move by the political family in Enugu State — members of the National Assembly, House of Assembly, Executive Council, Local Government Chairmen and Councillors, political appointees, and over 80% of party executives,” Mbah explained.

He noted that despite Enugu’s longstanding loyalty to the PDP, “our voices were too often disregarded when it mattered most,” necessitating a shift to a platform where the state’s interests would receive fairer representation.

Partnership for Progress with President Tinubu

Mbah said his decision to join the APC was inspired by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s “visionary leadership and courage to make tough choices for national transformation.”

“I have found in His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, not just a leader of our nation, but a partner in purpose, a man with the courage to look beyond today and make the tough choices that secure lasting prosperity for tomorrow,” he said.

He praised the President’s Renewed Hope Ward Development Programme, which targets the empowerment of 8.8 million Nigerians across 8,809 electoral wards, saying it aligns with Enugu’s own grassroots-driven development model.

Mbah described his defection as “alignment at scale”, aimed at connecting Enugu’s destiny with the broader economic and governance reforms driving Nigeria’s renewal.

“We are not moving from resentment or fear. We are confident of our future. This move is about fairness, respect, and partnership. What changes is that our vision now finds stronger reinforcement at the federal level,” he added.

Reassurance to Ndi Enugu and the South East

Addressing concerns about how the political shift might affect ongoing projects, the governor assured citizens that his commitment to the state’s development remained unwavering.

“The progress you see today will not slow, and the projects we have begun will be completed. This is not a detour but a step toward a stronger, more connected Enugu,” he affirmed.

He also called on the political class across the South East to prioritize service delivery and regional interest over partisan loyalty.

“Our people are watching. What they care about most are results. True leadership is about service to the people, not service to self,” he said.

A Call for Unity and Shared Vision

Governor Mbah ended his address with a call for unity, urging Ndi Enugu to rally behind the administration’s vision as the state embarks on a new political and developmental trajectory.

“Let us gather with renewed hope to build the Enugu – and the Nigeria – that our children deserve. Tomorrow is here,” he concluded.

Background

Dr. Peter Ndubuisi Mbah, a lawyer, entrepreneur, and public policy expert, was elected governor of Enugu State under the platform of the PDP in 2023. His administration’s Tomorrow is Here agenda focuses on technology-driven governance, industrialization, education reform, and fiscal expansion.

His defection to the APC marks a major political realignment in the South East, with implications for the region’s relationship with the federal government and the 2027 political landscape.

GRPolitics

New Enugu Group Throws Weight Behind Mbah’s Defection to APC

…Says move will connect Enugu to national development grid | By ORJI ISRAEL

Published

5 hours ago

October 14, 2025

grassroots

R-l: President Bola Tinubu and governor Peter Mbah Both of APC

A prominent socio-political group in Enugu State, New Enugu Group, has declared total support for Governor Peter Mbah’s decision to join the All Progressives Congress (APC), describing the move as a bold and strategic step towards linking the state to the centre for greater development opportunities.

Speaking to journalists at the Michael Okpara Square, Enugu, on Tuesday, during the official ceremony where President Bola Tinubu, alongside members of the APC National Working Committee (NWC) and other party stalwarts, presented the party’s flag to Governor Mbah, the convener of the group, Barr. Henry Okeke, commended the governor for what he called a “visionary and courageous decision.”

Okeke noted that the development signaled a decisive break from the past and the beginning of a new political era in Enugu State. He said the governor’s transition to the ruling party would unlock federal attention and investments long denied the state.

“We’re declaring full support for our capacity governor and an icon of the New Enugu State, as he takes this bold, wise, courageous, and historic step to connect our dear state to the Progressives Government at the centre,” Okeke said, adding that “We align fully with His Excellency in this new dawn.”

The group further assured that its members, spread across the 260 electoral wards of the state, would remain steadfast in their support for the Mbah administration.

“We reiterate our commitment and confidence in his leadership. We have activated our structures across the state to mobilize for the governor under the APC. His achievements in just two years have been unprecedented, and we are confident that with this alignment, Enugu will witness more jobs, more opportunities, and accelerated development,” Okeke added.

He further expressed optimism that the governor’s defection to the APC would strengthen the state’s political relevance and ensure the delivery of more democratic dividends to the people.

Governor Mbah had earlier in the day officially announced Enugu State’s transition from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC) in a colourful event witnessed by a massive crowd of supporters.

The governor, in his remarks, explained that the move followed growing pressure from the people of the state, who urged him to connect the state to the national grid of governance to enable greater federal collaboration and development.

The event, which attended by several APC national leaders, governors, stakeholders, former PDP stakeholders both in at the state and national levels, was described as a watershed moment in the political history of Enugu State by speakers at the rally.

GRPolitics

Enugu Commissioners Defect to APC Ahead of Governor’s likely Jump

By ISRAEL ORJI

Published

1 day ago

October 13, 2025

grassroots

Governor Peter Mbah of Enugu State

Several commissioners in Enugu State have officially joined the All Progressives Congress (APC), in what appears to be a precursor to Governor Peter Mbah’s anticipated defection to the ruling party.

The defections include Lawrence Ezeh, Commissioner for Innovation, Science and Technology; Amaka Ngene, Chair of the Science, Technical and Vocational Schools Management Board; and Felix Nnamani, Commissioner for Labour and Employment.

A video released by Dan Nwomeh, the Governor’s Senior Special Assistant on Media, shows the commissioners holding APC flags and declaring their allegiance publicly.

Although Governor Mbah has not yet commented, reports suggest the formal defection is imminent. According to News Express, plans are underway for a ceremony in Enugu as early as Tuesday to receive him into the party.

Political watchers view the move as a major shift in the South East, potentially making Enugu the first state in the region under APC control since the 2023 elections.