I always laugh when I see supposed political intellectual take of Nigerians of southern origin. It doesn't help with the fact that these 'otelectuals' reside in Lagos: where there's a huge bubble, thus making them oblivious of happenings in other parts of Nigeria, but still thinking the world revolves around their opinions.

Atiku has been in court over the issue of an allegedly stolen mandate of the 2019 electron; he's been on the news more about the mandate than his supposed 2023 ambition.

The North has been making every permutation to see a way power will stay in the north or worse, return at the shortest of time (remember GEJ 2023). It doesn't even help with Peter Obi stylishly declaring for 2023, garnering support slowly; and also, South East clamoring for a run at the presidency.

In an heavily divided nation; not helped by the Fulani hegemony on all political affairs and the atrocity the have been committing, there has been call for secession of regions, Biafra at most. And the North fears this because their survivorship depends on the southern part of Nigeria. This is why the want to control the affair at the centre, hence all these permutations.

The Atiku 'stolen' mandate seems to be the more achievable route. Southerners speak a lot of English with outrage, while the Northerners silently play their chess. Lol

Which dirty chess!
You underated the South at your own peril.
The South maybe so divided but there are certain issues they don't compromise and power must return the South is one of them.
The North knows what will happen if they try nonsense. Just leave them alone.
Of more than 60 years they have ruled this country for more than 40 years so what chess are they playing? Abi nor be North still dey for power?
In the spirit of national decency and where every sense of decorum is applied the North will not want to see another catastrophic Nigeria.
Anything to unite the country further more will be their biggest bargain so Atiku and co should go and rest.