The South East has a lot to bring to the table, says former President Olusegun Obasanjo while declaring support for an Igbo man to emerge Nigeria’s president in 2023.
There have been clamours for the Igbo to be allowed to produce the president in 2023 since it is the major ethnic group that hasn’t held the position since 1999, not even the vice president.
But the chances of the Igbo to produce the president of Nigeria in 2023 is being challenged.
In the All Progressives Congress (APC), the South West members of the party as represented by Vice President Yemi Osinbajo and former Lagos State Governor, Bola Tinubu, pose a threat for the Igbo in 2023.
In the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), a veteran presidential contender, Atiku Abubakar, is also not making it easy for the Igbo as he has indicated the interest that he would run for the presidency in 2023, making it his fourth.
But Obasanjo says the Igbo should be allowed to produce the president of the country in 2023, not just for the peace of the country, but the stuff they have to bring to the table.
Obasanjo made the call while receiving a 2023 Presidential aspirant, Sam Ohuabunwa on Thursday in Abeokuta.
He said it was time for reconciliation in Nigeria by supporting a president from the Southeast region to emerge in 2023.
The former president stated that southeasterners can bring a lot to the table if elected.
“Beyond bringing unity to Nigeria or being the cement that holds Nigeria together, I believe that Southeasterners can model hard work and entrepreneurship.
“This will help in wealth creation and fight against poverty, which is ravaging Nigeria,” Obasanjo said.
He reminded Ohuabunwa that running for the Presidency is a tough job.