I have followed the argument of those canvassing that President Jonathan should contest for the presidency in 2015 and some other groups who are making a case for their own persons or areas to take a shot at the highest office in Nigeria. Most of those for and against are actually repeating the same mistake of reducing the institution and office of president to a narrow regional representation.

Historically, no one has ever campaigned on a regional platform and succeeded in getting to the office of president. And anybody or group that does that now is only starting an idea that is dead on arrival. Let us go down memory lane to prove that it is bad to be regional.

Chief Obafemi Awolowo might have been the longest aspirant to the highest office in Nigeria. He was very disciplined, meticulous and hardworking. He had very good plans and maybe one of the most prepared for that office. But since his selection and recognition as leader of the Yoruba, he lost any pretention to national platform or national appeal.

Chief Awolowo couldn't get out of his ethno-regional cocoon and was so contemptuous of national dynamics, in 1979, he even chose his running mate from the same southern Nigeria, Chief Umeadi, ignoring the delicate balance to cater for sensitivities and engender confidence. He died without realizing this ambition. It is bad to be regional.

In contrast, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo started from one of the most national institutions in Nigeria: the Nigeria Army. He built enduring friendships and lasting relationships across the country and beyond. He has never identified himself as anybody but a proud Nigerian and a great African. His kinsmen, the Yoruba, even rejected him in 1999, the first time he contested for the office of president. That did not stop him from being overwhelmingly elected as the second executive president of Nigeria that year. It is bad to be regional.

Before him, there was the case of the late Chief MKO Abiola of blessed memory. Abiola never identified himself as a sectional, regional or ethnic champion. In fact, he got chieftaincy titles and awards from virtually every tribe or section of Nigeria. He built a great economic empire that was providing employment and means of livelihood for people all over the nation. His philanthropy and generosity was legendary.