Southern groups talk tough, insist zone must produce President in 2023

The Coalition of Southern Groups (CSG) has advised the political parties in Nigeria to limit their choices of candidates for the 2023 presidential election to the South in the spirit of fairness and justice.

In a communiqué issued at the weekend by the president, secretary and publicity secretary, Uche Nwabueze, Segun Nelson and Chukwuemeka Uzoka, at the end of its meeting in Lagos, the coalition noted: “To deepen democratic cause that will engender inclusivity, we have embraced the reported zoning of the 2023 presidential ticket to the South with happiness and enthusiasm. We are sending a strong signal to the naysayers as we send stern advice to any group to accept this fact or will be seen as an enemy of one Nigeria. 

“This decision at a time like this will not only foster development, but also create peace in our country’s history, trust and unity devoid of mutual suspicion, which has been an entrenched culture in our polity.”

CSG continued: “We hereby call on all political parties in Nigeria to unanimously adopt their presidential candidates from the South or face strong resistance in all ramifications from us because it is our firm belief that the North has had her eight years based on same mutual understanding. 

“Without mincing words, there is no compromise on this decision to back a southern president as any leader that goes against this resolution will be treated as an outcast. We call on all men of goodwill in the South to join other progressives from the North to nominate a credible candidate from the South that will continue on the same principle of rotational presidency for equity and fairness. 

“Alone we can do so little, together we can do so much as one Nigeria. 

“History has it that North has ruled the country more than the South, hence the decision by the political parties to zone its presidential candidate to the South and we implore all and sundry to marry this development.” 

The groups further said: “The South is fully prepared and ready to take on the mandate to move Nigeria forward. So, let the northern groups accept and join the moving train.”  

(Courtesy The Guardian)