A chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the Southeast, Chief Ndubuisi Ebiliekwe, has said a president of Igbo extraction is not negotiable, going with the premises of fairness, justice and oneness of the country.
Ebiliekwe spoke on the sidelines of the two major political parties – PDP and All Progressives Congress (APC) – which are yet to zone their presidential positions to the Southeast.
He said there is a need for Nigeria and Nigerians to remain united, which an Igbo man becoming president of Nigeria in 2023 would foster by first considering equity, fairness and justice.
According to him, Hausa/Fulani and Yoruba have produced presidents many times therefore, they should allow and support the Igbo to do same.
Ebiliekwe added: “I have always maintained an unambiguous stand for justice, equity and fairness in our country.
The next president of Nigeria after President Muhammadu Buhari should come from the Southeast. The two major political parties (APC and PDP) should, as a matter of necessity, zone their tickets to the Southeast.
“Does it mean that Igbo are being marginalised? Or that Igbo are fools? This is because Igbo really want the unity and peace of this nation. That is why we have been quiet all this while.”
The front-line politician said it was very disappointing that politicians from the south are talking about fairness and equity, but have zero tolerance for the same fairness and equity for the Southeast quest.
He said: “This time, we do not think there is any need for any negotiation; or presidency of Igbo extraction to be toiled with. For the development of this nation, we all know Igbo people are the major ones who have the capacity to turn around this nation in terms of development and socio-economic growth.
“On the detention of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, I urge Igbo elders and the Federal Government to dialogue and see the best way to resolve the issue. I thank Igbo politicians who have picked presidential forms because they mean well for Igbo cause and pursuit. I also call on all Nigerians, irrespective of political party, tribe and religious creed, to support presidency of Igbo extraction.”
