Speaking in an interview with Punch, Tanko maintained that the idea of a southern presidential ticket is based on fairness and political balance, noting that the current presidency is already held by the South.

He explained that Peter Obi had aligned with this position by agreeing to serve only one term of four years if elected.

Tanko said: “Yes, we are concerned about zoning. That was why we’ve been asking the ADC to zone the presidency to the southern part of this country, considering the simple fact that the Presidency has been zoned to the South.

“As you speak right now, what we have is a southern presidency. So, once you have a southern president, it simply means that even if there is going to be a replacement for the existing president, it should come from the South for them to complete their tenure.

“I think it is only fair to do that. And that was why Mr Peter Obi has also agreed that he’s going to do only four years.”

Tanko further expressed optimism that Obi would emerge as the consensus candidate of the opposition if a unified arrangement is reached, adding that his popularity—especially among young Nigerians—remains strong.

He said Obi enjoys massive public support across the country, describing moments of public reception during recent travels as overwhelming and emotional.

According to him, “That is because he’s the most popular candidate in the country at the moment… especially among the youth. Anywhere he goes, he is adored.”

Tanko added that large crowds and emotional displays of support reflect the level of trust Nigerians have in Obi’s leadership potential.

Similarly, Justin Ijeh noted that while zoning is not provided for in the constitution, it has become a political tradition that helps maintain inclusiveness in Nigeria’s diverse society.

He argued that, in the current political climate, it would be appropriate for the presidency to remain in the South in line with existing convention, warning that deviating from it could create avoidable political tension.

Ijeh said zoning, though informal, remains a stabilising mechanism that helps balance representation in the country’s power structure.

Speaking during an interview on Channels Television, Baba-Ahmed questioned whether Kwankwaso’s extensive political pedigree and influence would make him willing to accept a vice-presidential slot.

He noted that Kwankwaso has built a formidable career in public service spanning several decades, beginning as Deputy Speaker in 1990 before becoming Governor of Kano State in 1999, where he served two terms.

Baba-Ahmed also highlighted Kwankwaso’s subsequent roles as Minister of Defence, Senator, and his academic accomplishments, including earning a PhD.

According to him, Kwankwaso’s deep-rooted political stature, particularly in Kano State, adds another layer of complexity to any arrangement that places him in a subordinate role.

He stressed that Kano’s massive population and Kwankwaso’s enduring political relevance in the state make it challenging to imagine him settling for a deputy position.

Baba-Ahmed suggested that Kwankwaso’s level of experience, influence, and personal political structure may not align with serving under another presidential candidate.

He said Kwankwaso remains a significant political force whose stature could make a vice-presidential ambition difficult to reconcile, even though he personally hopes any workable alliance aimed at national progress succeeds.