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.