*Says Northerner remaining in power will divide Nigeria
The controversy surrounding rotational presidency within the ruling All Progressives Congress has not been stopped by the party faithfuls.
A respected stalwart of the ruling APC from the northern part of the country, Senator Ibrahim Shekarau, says it is more of a moral issue.
According to the former Kano State Governor, though not embedded in the APC rules, zoning should be adopted by the party.
The FCT, Abuja - Senator Ibrahim Shekarau has urged the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) to field a southerner as its presidential candidate in 2023.
Shekarau, a former governor of Kano state and serving senator representing Kano Central Senatorial District made the statement in an interview with the BBC Hausa Service on Wednesday, June 16, NATIONAL PANEL gathered.
The Senator who strongly advocated for power shift to southern Nigeria in the 2023 presidential election. Photo credit: Senator Ibrahim Shekarau, pointed that the idea for President Muhammadu Buhari to hand over to a southerner is to ensure justice and fairness.
He, however, admitted that rotational presidency is not written in the APC’s constitution, but said, it is the best way to go to give every part of the country a sense of belonging.
“I am of the opinion that, we should exercise patience and bring our brothers from the south close to us.
“You see, the north alone cannot produce the votes enough for the president. Likewise the South, it is only when we come together.
"Violating this arrangement will further divide Nigerians. Some will feel neglected or rejected," he said.
While speaking earlier to Channels Television on the same issue, Senator Shekarau said Nigeria’s next president should come from the south if the nation must attain political balance.
The Red Chambers Lawmaker said by 2023, President Buhari would have completed eight years in office and it is only fair for a southerner to take over from the incumbent.
Meanwhile, APC support group has called on Vice President Yemi Osinbajo to declare interest in the 2023 race.
The group also appealed to the former Governor of Lagos State, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu to withdraw his presidential bid.
Addressing newsmen in Abuja on behalf of members drawn from the six geo-political zones, PCG’s national coordinator, Hon. Ahmed Mohammed and National Secretary, Dr. Eberechukwu Eli Dibia pledged the group’s preparedness for the 2023 polls.
In a related development, the Buhari Media Organisation has accused a former Nigerian leader of plotting to force President Buhari to resign before 2023.
The pro-Buhari group made the allegation in a statement signed by its chairman, Niyi Akinsiju, and secretary, Cassidy Madueke, in Abuja.
The group claimed that a former president whose name was not mentioned and some other conspirators are behind the plot . -Legit.
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