Okorocha Raises Alarm, Fears APC Will Scatter if It Zones Presidency to North
- Rochas Okorocha has expressed fears that the All Progressives Congress might be divided if it fails to zone the presidency to south
- According to the former governor, the ruling party has no justification not to zone the presidency to the south
- Also, Okorocha called on the federal government to seek an out of court settlement in the case of Nnamdi Kanu
In what will surprise many people, Rochas Okorocha has expressed fears of a possible disintegration of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) Punch Newspaper reports.
He made this known to journalists as part of activities to commemorate his 59th birthday.
The former Imo state governor claimed that there is the possibility of a polarized party if the APC zones the 2023 presidential ticket to the north.
Going further, he appealed to the federal government to seek an out of court settlement over the case involving the detained leader of the outlawed Indigenous People of Biafra, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu.
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He said:
“There’s no justification for APC zoning the Presidency away from the South. If zoned to the North, it will polarise the party. I agree with southern governors on the southern presidency.
“In 1999 – 2007, the Presidency was in the South; 2007 to 2010, the Presidency was in the North; 2010 to 2015, the Presidency was in the South and now 2015 to 2023 the Presidency is in the North. After this, it is normal and natural for it to return to the south.”
Northern ruling class accused of trying to foist Jonathan on Nigerians
Meanwhile, an unnamed APC chieftain has claimed that the northern oligarchy wants ex-president Goodluck Jonathan to replace President Muhammadu Buhari in 2023 because the Bayelsa-born politician can only serve four years in power if he returns.
Jonathan, 63, held sway as Nigeria's leader from 2010 to 2015 under the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) after his then-boss, Umaru Musa Yar'Adua died in office.
His words:
“They have perfected arrangements to ensure that one of them becomes Jonathan’s vice preparatory to taking over from him if he finishes his remaining term. This move is purely a northern affair and they are not relenting about it regardless of the effect it will have on the party.”
2023: APC group seeks Buhari’s support for southeast
In a related development, a group, South East Mandate has commenced its advocacy for an Igbo president in Nigeria ahead of the 2023 elections.
The group is also pushing for President Muhammadu Buhari to not only support their quest but also choose whoever he wants among Igbo politicians.
The group is being championed by Senator Julis Ucha, a prominent APC chieftain from Ebonyi state.
Source: Legit.ng