A few governors of the south-south region on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) insists that the party’s presidential ticket for the 2023 election be zoned to the south.
The Nation reports that the leadership of the party made up of governors, lawmakers, former governors and key stakeholders in the region demanded that the presidential ticket be handed to the zone for equity, fairness and justice.
The leaders while Speaking at a summit in Uyo, Akwa Ibom state capital city said the opposition might lose the opportunity to reclaim power from the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) should it fail to field the right candidate.
While addressing them, Nyesom Wike, the governor of Rivers State said it is paramount that the PDP treats the south-south geo-political zone fairly.
Describing the zone as the pillar of the PDP, Wike warned the party should not ignore the contributions made to its success by key members from the south-south.
Call for collaboration among PDP members from the south-south Charging his colleagues, stakeholders and members of the National Assembly to set aside their differences in the overall interest of the PDP, Wike said Nigerians are waiting for the PDP to take over power from APC in 2023.
“It is for us to put our house together and make Nigerians proud because if we don’t take over in 2023, Nigerians will never forgive PDP. We must take this opportunity and make Nigerians happy.”
PDP leaders present at the meeting include governors Udom Emmanuel (Akwa Ibom); Ifeanyi Okowa (Delta) and Douye Diri (Bayelsa). Others are the PDP national vice-chairman (south-south), Chief Dan Orbih; Senator George Sekibo; former deputy House of Representatives Speaker, Austin Opara; former governors Liyel Imoke (Cross River) and Celestine Omehia (Rivers).
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) had been urged to issue certificates of return to Iduma Igariwe and Fred Udogwu of Ebonyi state. The opposition party, PDP said the call became necessary following Monday, March 21, court’s ruling that struck out the application for a stay of execution by the sacked governor of Ebonyi State David Umahi.
According to the party, the chief judge of Ebonyi state should immediately swear in both Iduma Igariwe and Fred Udogwu as governor and deputy governor respectively.
