‎2027: APC Chieftain Advocates For Six Vice-Presidents In Nigeria, To Curb Ethnic, Religious Tensions

Ahead of the 2027 general elections, a chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and Director of Turning Point Nigeria, Hon. Abraham Ajiya, has proposed the adoption of a regional Vice-Presidents system, arguing that it is a pragmatic and timely solution to Nigeria’s recurring ethnic and religious tensions that often accompany national elections.

‎Hon. Ajiya, while speaking in an exclusive press interview, said the current political atmosphere is already showing signs of overheating, particularly around debates on religious balancing in the presidency. According to him, introducing multiple vice-presidential positions drawn from different regions and faiths would strengthen national unity, promote inclusiveness, and reduce agitations that threaten the stability of the polity.

‎A Call for Structural Balance

‎Explaining the rationale behind the proposal, Ajiya noted that Nigeria’s diversity, while a strength, has increasingly become a source of political tension due to perceived exclusion from the highest levels of power.

‎“What we are proposing is a system of about three regional Vice-Presidents, or vice-regional heads, working alongside the President,” he said. “This idea is not strange globally. Variations of it exist in decentralised and federal systems across the world, including Indonesia and some post-conflict federal arrangements.

‎He explained that in countries like Indonesia, following democratic reforms after 1999, regional heads such as governors and mayors are elected alongside vice-regional heads who jointly manage regional autonomy. Similarly, some federal systems have adopted multiple vice-presidential structures to ensure political balance and inclusivity.

‎Lessons from Other Jurisdictions

‎Hon. Ajiya cited South Sudan as an example of a federal arrangement with multiple vice presidents representing different regions and interests, stressing that such models are often adopted in diverse or post-conflict societies to stabilise governance and foster trust.

‎“In Nigeria, whenever a particular region or religion occupies power, others begin to agitate,” he said. “We are seeing it even now, with calls for the replacement of Vice-President Kashim Shettima on religious grounds. Any attempt to remove him could generate serious instability, especially in the region he represents.”

‎According to Ajiya, rather than heating the polity by replacing elected officials, Nigeria should expand the executive structure to accommodate broader representation.

‎Balancing Religion and Regions

‎Using the current administration as an example, Ajiya explained that with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, a Muslim from the South-West, and Vice-President Shettima, a Muslim from the North-East, additional vice-presidential offices could be created to include Christians from other regions.

‎“For instance, we can have an Executive Vice-President from the South-East who is a Christian, and another from the North-Central, also a Christian,” he said. “This way, we have balance—two Muslims and two Christians at the highest executive level. No group will feel marginalised or trampled upon.”

‎He stressed that such an arrangement would give the South-East, South-South, South-West, and North-Central a sense of closeness to the corridor of power, thereby reducing feelings of exclusion.

‎Constitutional Amendment Is Possible

‎Responding to concerns about constitutional constraints, Ajiya dismissed fears that the proposal would take too long to implement. According to him, a constitutional amendment could be achieved within a few months if there is political will.

‎“If the presidency is serious, this can be done in less than three months,” he said. “Once the governors and State Houses of Assembly are on board, the process will move swiftly. The problem has always been the lack of pressure from the centre.”

‎He argued that calls for a completely new constitution often stem from a feeling of exclusion rather than genuine structural necessity. “People call for constitutional change because they don’t feel they belong. If they feel represented at the top, many of these agitations will naturally subside,” he added.

‎Clearly Defined Roles

‎Ajiya further emphasised the need for clearly defined constitutional roles for vice-presidents, noting that the current system often reduces the office to a “spare tyre.”

‎“Vice-Presidents should have constitutionally defined responsibilities, whether or not the president is available,” he said. “It should also be clearly stated who succeeds the president in the event of incapacitation, to avoid power tussles among multiple vice-presidents.”

‎Under his proposal, the president would serve as the chief coordinator, supervising the activities of two or three vice-presidents drawn from different regions and religious backgrounds.

‎No Region Produces Both President and Vice-President

‎On the issue of regional dominance, Ajiya was clear: no region should produce both the president and a vice-president at the same time. He also advocated that where a region produces more than one vice-president, they should not all be of the same religion.

‎“This must be well spelt out in the constitution to prevent monopoly by the majority,” he said.

‎Focus on Stability, Not Controversy

‎While acknowledging concerns about corruption under the presidential system, Ajiya declined to be drawn into that debate, insisting that his priority is political stability.

‎“Our focus is to douse tension in the polity,” he said. “Once stability and inclusiveness are achieved, other governance challenges, including corruption, can be addressed more effectively.”

‎He warned that continued religious and ethnic agitations could open the door for foreign interests to exploit Nigeria’s internal divisions, especially as the 2027 elections approach.

‎Advocacy Already Underway

‎Ajiya revealed that Turning Point Nigeria has already commenced its advocacy journey, starting with the press engagement. He disclosed plans to formally present the proposal to the National Assembly, engage the Senate President, relevant cabinet ministers, and influential state governors.

‎“This interview is to inform Nigerians and the international community that we are serious,” he said. “We have done our part by offering solutions. The rest is a constitutional responsibility.”

‎Drawing parallels with the Doctrine of Necessity invoked during the late President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua’s illness, Ajiya argued that Nigeria has previously amended its constitution under pressure and can do so again in the interest of unity.

‎A Call Ahead of 2027

‎On whether the proposal can be implemented before the 2027 elections, Ajiya expressed optimism.

‎“Yes, it can be achieved,” he said. “Our goal is to diffuse tension early, especially the agitation around calls to drop the Vice-President. That path could lead to serious disunity. Expanding the system is the wiser and more peaceful option.”

‎He concluded by stressing that the proposal is not about resource control or relocating offices to the regions, as all executive offices would remain in Abuja. Rather, it is about equity, justice, and ensuring that every major segment of Nigeria feels a genuine sense of belonging at the highest level of governance.

‎“As long as there is equity and justice,” Ajiya said, “the agitations will naturally reduce, and Nigeria will be better positioned for peaceful elections and sustainable democracy.”