The Leadership of The People’s Democratic Party (PDP) yesterday when it received a letter from a group, Northern Advocate for Good Governance (NAFGG), which advocated a presidential candidate of northern Nigeria origin in the 2023 presidential election stated that its 2023 presidential Ticket is open to all.
It was the first time the main opposition party would be stating its position on the presidency clearly ahead of the next general election.
The Party maintained that no zone would be denied the opportunity of contesting in the election.
The group on behalf of the national chairman, Deputy National Publicity Secretary of PDP, Abdullahi Ibrahim, while receiving the report commended NAFGG for taking the initiative to support equal opportunity for all the geopolitical zones
Acording to Abdullahi;
“This is a commendable initiative. We are doing the best we can in that regard, if Nigerians like you find it pertinent to assist us in achieving that objective.
“The new National Working Committee (NWC) under the leadership of Senator Iyorchia Ayu has already resolved this is exactly what it would pursue as an objective in ensuring that the six geopolitical zones of Nigeria were given equal opportunity to bid for the available offices to rescue and rebuild Nigeria.”
Ibrahim further expatiated the party’s position saying, “For the opportunities that are available, you heard the convener talking about providing equal opportunity for Nigerians to bid for the available political offices. Those who are interested in pursuing the presidency, we are opening it for every Nigerian to pursue and many other offices that are national in outlook, Nigerians are free to pursue.”
When asked if he meant that the presidency should be thrown open, he responded, “Of course!”, adding, “Yes, that is what it implies. As we speak, every Nigerian is bidding from the South-east, from the South-west, and from the North. No section of Nigeria will be denied an opportunity to contest or aspire. It is left for Nigerians to decide where they want to allow the presidency go.”
Asked if PDP might zone its presidential ticket to the South-east, in deference to former vice presidential candidate and ex-governor of Anambra State, Peter Obi’s demand, Ibrahim stated, “What Peter Obi said was, if it favours the South-east and as one Nigeria, who comes from that zone, he will contest. But it’s a question of allowing everyone to bid; it’s a platform that is opened to all Nigerians on equal and justifiable process. If you think you are suitable, come and throw your cap in the ring and the remaining will be story.
“We will not condone twisted and half-baked conclusions. From 1999 to 2023, the south would have ruled Nigeria for 14 years, while the north for 10 years. Why should we then prioritise the south to take over when the north has a shortfall?”
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