Elder statesmen from four geo-political zones of the country have called on political parties to zone their presidential tickets to the South for the 2023 Presidential election.
Gatekeepers News reports that elder statesmen from four of the six geo-political, under the aegis of Southern and Middle Belt Leaders Forum (SMBLF) called on political parties in the country to zone their presidential tickets to the South for the 2023 Presidential election.
The leader of the forum, South-South Leader and Elder statesman, Chief Edwin Clark, the Southern and Middle Belt leaders through a communique, said that any political party that vehemently refused to zone the Presidential ticket to the South, should not expect votes from the region.
“The meeting extensively discussed various issues on the state of affairs in the country, particularly, the security situation, restructuring, preparations for the 2023 elections and zoning,” the communique reads.
“That the extant Constitution and Structure of Nigeria are grossly flawed and lopsided. Accordingly, Forum restates its demand for the fundamental restructuring of the country by enacting a new Constitution that would enthrone equity, fairness and justice. It must be One Nation, One System.
“Cites that the northern part of the country would have fully enjoyed the Office of the Presidency of the country for the full statutory period of 8 years by 2023, hence, the presidency should rotate to the South; Therefore, unequivocally, and in full resolve, call on all political parties in the country to zone their presidential tickets to the south.
“Advices that any political party that does not zone its presidential ticket to the South should not expect support from the four regions;
“Notes that the basis of any viable democracy, especially in a diverse and complex country such as Nigeria, is fair and even sharing of power.”
The forum also condemned the “senseless killings of innocent citizens” across the country, especially in the north-west.
While calling on the government and security agencies to redouble efforts on improving security, the forum urged the national assembly and governors to commit themselves to restructuring and reaffirm their commitment to Nigeria’s unity “situated on the tenets of equity, fairness, justice, and the principle of federalism”.
