2027: South South stakes claim – Two terms for Senate Presidency

A public affairs analyst and advocate for regional equity, John William, has warned Imo State Governor, Hope Uzodimma, against pursuing the Senate presidency, describing the alleged move as a threat to South-South and South-East political relations.

William, in a statement issued on Thursday, said Uzodimma’s reported ambition could reopen “deep historical wounds” between both regions and weaken southern political solidarity.

He argued that the South-South had consistently respected power-sharing arrangements since the return to democracy in 1999 and accused the South-East of attempting to undermine that understanding.

According to him, no South-South senator challenged the Senate presidency when the position was occupied by South-East leaders during the administration of former President Olusegun Obasanjo.

William recalled that the Senate presidency was held by Evan Enwerem, Chuba Okadigbo, Anyim Pius Anyim, Adolphus Wabara and Ken Nnamani between 1999 and 2007 without opposition from the South-South.

He described the alleged plot by Uzodimma as “a brazen provocation” capable of damaging trust between both regions.

“The South-South’s patience has limits. Our previous restraint was not a licence for South-East entitlement,” he said.

William further linked the development to the 1953 political crisis involving former Eastern Nigeria leader, Professor Eyo Ita, insisting that many in the Niger Delta still view the incident as a betrayal of minority interests.

“For the Niger Delta, this is not nostalgia; it is a living grievance,” he stated.

He warned that any attempt by the South-East to push for the Senate presidency in the current arrangement could reinforce perceptions of political domination and marginalisation.

William also criticised the silence of South-East political leaders, saying they should advise Uzodimma against pursuing the position in the interest of national balance and regional harmony.

“If the South-East wants respect, it must first show respect,” he added.

He maintained that zoning and regional rotation remained critical to sustaining political stability and fairness in Nigeria’s democracy.

William explained that senators like Melford Okilo, John Azuta-Mbata, and Victor Oyofo served back then. Melford Okilo held Bayelsa East from 1999 to 2003.

“Tupele-Ebi Diffa represented Bayelsa West over the same stretch, before Brambaifa J. Kofo took that seat from 2003 to 2007. Spiff Inatimi Rufus stepped into Bayelsa East in 2003.

“Down in Akwa Ibom, Emmanuel Essien covered the North West zone from 1999 to 2003. Bob Ittak Ekarika followed him in the same constituency from 2003 to 2007.

“John Azuta-Mbata and Victor Oyofo ,Lee Meeba, Osunbor, Udo Udoma were in the Senate throughout that period too.

“They never interfered with the South East’s chances.”

2027: South South stakes claim – Two terms for Senate Presidency