2023: Southern PDP Governors State Position On Zoning

The Peoples Democratic Party Governors in the South on Saturday insisted that the presidential ticket of the party must be zoned to the region for fairness and equity in 2023.

Recall that the zoning committee of the party led by the Governor of Benue State, Samuel Ortom had earlier reportedly recommended that the 2023 ticket be thrown open.

The PDP Southern Governors after their meeting on Saturday stressed that they are committed to the party’s unity.

The Governors noted that the best thing to do for the unity of the main opposition party is to zone its presidential ticket to the South.

The Vice-Chairman of the PDP Governor’s Forum, Okezie Ikpeazu while speaking on behalf of his colleagues said that they have watched with interest the development of PDP and the issue of zoning ahead of the 2023 general elections.

Ikpeazu said, “our position is that first, we are committed to the unity of our party and we have worked hard to make sure that this party remains a strong and viable vehicle to rescue Nigeria come 2023.

“Be that as it may, we want to draw your attention to the fact that we have agreed as Southern Governors in Lagos and also in Delta that this party has to respect the zoning principle as enshrined in our Constitution, and to that effect, we feel that the best thing to do is to zone the presidency to the South, and we stand on that position.

“We have not seen any reason to change our position, because the Party was founded based on equity and justice. And we also think that equity and justice an important pillars that will ultimately stabilize our politics towards our journey in rescuing Nigeria.

“This is our position and that is why we have met today.”

While speaking on the report that the zoning committee threw it open because of the number of aspirants that have purchased the forms, he condemned the committee for taking a critical decision based on that.

He said, “Let me tell you something, if you want to take a position of policy, you don’t look at problems in their face and make a decision. You make a decision and remain firm on that decision.

“We think what this country is lacking today is our ability to dispense equity and justice. It may be difficult, it may be a bitter pill but we need to stand with the truth.”

The meeting was attended by the Governor of Oyo State, Seyi Makinde; Governor of Rivers State, Nyesom Wike; Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Udom Emmanuel; Governor of Bayelsa State, Douye Diri and Governor of Enugu State, Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi.