The political support group, Peter Obi Our President (PETOOP), has called for the zoning of the 2027 presidential ticket to Southern Nigeria and demanded the immediate resignation of the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Joash Amupitan, over alleged partisanship.
The group made its position known during a press briefing held on April 18, 2026, at the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) Press Centre in Jos, Plateau State. Addressing journalists and stakeholders, the National Convener of the group, Magnus Oraka, said Nigeria was at a critical point requiring urgent political reforms to safeguard its democratic future.
Speaking on the 2027 general elections, Oraka advised the African Democratic Congress (ADC) to zone its presidential ticket to the South, warning that presenting a Northern candidate could split opposition votes and inadvertently favour the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
According to him, such a move would strengthen the chances of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu securing a second term in office. He urged the ADC to prioritize equity and political balance, rather than expediency.
The group also took aim at former Vice President Atiku Abubakar over his recent comments suggesting the North should produce the next president. Oraka argued that a broader historical assessment of Nigeria’s leadership since independence in 1960 shows that the North has held power for a longer period, thereby strengthening the South’s claim to the presidency in 2027.
He described Atiku’s continued presidential ambition as counterproductive to national unity and advised him to step aside in the interest of fairness and cohesion.
On electoral integrity, PETOOP accused the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) of bias and undue interference in party affairs, particularly within the ADC. The group alleged that the commission, under Prof. Amupitan, had compromised its neutrality by failing to act impartially in internal party disputes.
Oraka further cited concerns over alleged public statements attributed to the INEC chairman, which he said raised doubts about the commission’s ability to conduct free, fair, and credible elections.
Consequently, the group demanded the immediate resignation of Prof. Amupitan, urging President Tinubu to remove him if he fails to step down voluntarily. It also called on the National Assembly to intervene where necessary to restore public confidence in the electoral body.
The briefing concluded with a call on Nigerians to remain vigilant and committed to democratic principles, as the country prepares for the 2027 general elections.
