POWER BETWEEN NORTH AND SOUTH IN THE NIGERIAN POLITICAL ARENA

Nigeria’s political history reflects a delicate balance between its northern and southern regions in the struggle for national leadership and equitable governance. Although the 1999 Constitution recognizes one indivisible country and guarantees every citizen equal rights to participation, informal power-sharing arrangements have emerged to maintain stability and prevent domination by any particular region. The long-standing rotation of the presidency between the North and South was conceived as a mechanism for fairness and inclusivity, yet internal divisions, especially within the southern bloc—between the South-West and South-East—have continued to distort the effectiveness of this arrangement. This paper examines the dynamics of power sharing and rotation within the Nigerian political system, emphasizing the need for understanding, reconciliation, and cooperation between the southern subregions to achieve true transformation. Using a qualitative historical approach supported by constitutional provisions, party structures, and scholarly literature, the study explores how elite rivalry and lack of coordinated dialogue undermine southern unity and, consequently, national cohesion. Findings reveal that while the North-South power rotation has provided a temporary political balance, persistent mistrust among southern elites fuels disunity and marginalization. The paper argues that sustainable democracy in Nigeria demands structured dialogue, equitable representation, and a spirit of mutual accommodation among all regions. It recommends constitutional reinforcement of power-sharing principles, elite cooperation, and a collective national consciousness anchored on justice and inclusivity.