2023: Why Igbo presidential aspirants must not accept running mate position — Igbo Elders

A group of eminent Igbos in Abuja under the aegis of Igbo Elders Forum, under the leadership of Elderstatesman, Dr Chukwuemeka Ezeife, have adduced real reasons why contenders for president in 2023 from South east geo-political zone must not settle for running mate or vice president slot. The elders said there would be no half measure, warning aspirants for the president to desist from eying vice president position or playing second fiddle in the race for presidency in 2023.

“It is either we are allowed to produce the president of this country in 2023 to change the appalling narrative of continued decay, poverty, insecurity, poor governance, corruption and maladministration in Nigeria or out of it. The Elders said.
“No half measure”. They added.

They warned those they described as boot leakers lobbying for any position less than President  to perish the thoughts, stating vehemently: “We are very serious about this directive, and do not mean those unserious booth leakers, who are angling to be running mates to candidates from other parts of the country, as the Igbo s will not take it lightly with any of our sons or daughters who accept to b e running mates to any person outside the South East zone in 2023”.

Insisting on Nigerian president of South East extraction in 2023, the Igbo Elders said their position is based on a popular demand for the 2023 Presidency of Nigeria to be zoned to the southern part of the country, preferably the South East zone, not just for the sake of equity, justice and fairness, but also for a change of narrative of our beleaguered sleeping giant of Africa.

They went on to say: “Emboldened by the increasing demand and support by credible and patriotic Nigerians for pow er to shift to the South in 20 23, the Igbo Elders Forum hereby encourages visionary, credible and creative presidential materials of South East zone to declare their intension for Presidency and pursue it with every sense of seriousness, vigour and commitment”.

Continuing, they said the expanding clarion calls that all political parties should zone presidency to the South East is in order to give the people of the area a sense of belonging.

“as w ell as reverse all the premeditated government policies and actions that are capable o f pushing out the Igbos out of Nigeria”. They added.
The Igbo Elders express gratitude to Nigerians for joining the growing clarion calls zoning the presidency to the South East in 2023. They welcomed and thanked in particular, Elder statesman and leader of Pan Niger Delta Forum , PANDEF, Chief Edwin Clark, leader of Afenifere, Pa Ayo Adebanjo, leader of Middle Belt Forum , Dr Butrus Porgu, Southern Governors Forum , Arewa Youth Federation, Yoruba Youths, Northern Youth Coalition, among others.
Also, they  commended The Southern Governors Forum for its consistent in demanding that the 2023 Presidency, be zoned to the South East, saying is the popular will of a majority of Nigerians.

“These distinguished Nigerians and associations have not only spoken the truth, but
also demonstrated high level of integrity, courage, credibility and patriotism”. They said.

Adding that these individuals and groups are great patriots and lovers of democracy.

But the Igbo elders took a swipe on the Northern Elders Forum for thinking otherwise.

“we condemn in strong terms the media reports that the
Northern Elders Forum thinks otherwise, as it canvasses, unjustifiably, that the position be thrown open to the whole country”. The Igbo elders stated.