SOUTH EAST PDP PRESIDENTIAL ASPIRANTS MEET, AGREE TO WORK TOGETHER IN THE REGION’S INTEREST


Abuja: Presidential aspirants of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) from the South East region have demanded that the Party’s presidential ticket for 2023 should be zoned to the region in the interest of equity and justice.
That was the highlight of the communiqué issued after a meeting of the aspirants in Abuja, today, Saturday, 9th April, 2022.
Those in attendance include; Senator Anyim Pius Anyim, former Senate President and Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Mr. Peter Obi, former Anambra State governor, Mazi Sam Ohuabunwa, renowned industrialist and Dr. Nwachukwu Anakwenze, a renowned physician and President, Igbo World Assembly, IWA.
In a communiqué issued by the quartet, read by Anyim, they stated that they have “agreed to work together as a team and that they will” “work together to ensure that a South Easterner emerges as PDP flag bearer.”
The communiqué reads in part, “we intend to consult with other zones on this issue and it is based on fairness and equity.
“In doing so, it is important to note that we have always supported other zones and we now expect them to reciprocate”.
They also added, “it is to our knowledge that more aspirants may have obtained forms under PDP and we hope they will join us later.”
While responding to questions from journalists on the possibility of working towards presenting a consensus candidate from among them, Anyim said, “When we get to the bridge, we will cross it. We will work together in the interest of the Party, in the interest of the nation and in the interest of the South East.”
Asked if the South East PDP governors are in support of the meeting, the former President of the Senate said the aspirants were not in the position to speak for the governors.
There have been voices of disagreement in the PDP since the 37-member Zoning Committee appointed by the party to thrash out the knotty issue of zoning in the party, reportedly threw the contest for the presidential ticket open to all regions.
The South East members of the party have insisted that for purposes of fairness, justice and equity, the ticket should be zoned to the region, having produced neither a president nor vice president since 1999.
Analysts believe that the resolution by the South East PDP presidential aspirants to close ranks is a welcome development.