As the 2023 general elections draw closer, there are concerns in some quarters as to the seriousness of the South-West geo-political zone to vie for the presidential ticket.
Less than two years to the 2023 general elections, there are still concerns in certain quarters on the health challenges of the National leader of the All Progressives Congress, Senator Bola Tinubu.
Reacting to the development, a chieftain of the All Progressives Congress, APC, Hon. Jimoh Adewunmi Babafemi has said that the South-West geo-political zone may shift their support to a former Governor of Abia State and Chief Whip of the Senate, Senator Orji Uzor Kalu in 2023.
According to him, “Kalu is more prepared to succeed President Muhammadu Buhari in 2023 judging by his acceptability.”
He stated this in a chat with newsmen in Abuja, on Monday, noting that the South-West geo-political zone may consider Kalu because they feel that it is the turn of the South-East to produce the president in 2023.
“What we are trying to achieve now is the unity of Southern Nigeria and Nigeria at large. If the South-West had ruled for eight years under President Olusegun Obasanjo, Goodluck Jonathan did six years from South-South, then, if it is coming to South, it should be SouthEast.
“After South-East does its two tenures of eight years, the ideal thing, of course, is that power should go back to the North. Again, when power gets to the North, the North-East has never produced any president in the history of this country. Therefore, it should be given the same opportunity.
“So for the sake of stability and equity, power should be rotated to Southern Nigeria in 2023 and if they want to micro-zone, they should give an opportunity to the South-East. They deserve to govern Nigeria.
“Tinubu is eminently qualified to lead Nigeria but I fear for his health. I would’ve supported Tinubu in 2023 but Nigerians are not ready to risk it. He should relax and take good care of his health. I will also advise the South-West to relax and allow others.
“It is not just about micro-zoning it to the South-East, someone like Senator Orji Uzor Kalu should be considered for the position. He is a manager of resources and detribalised Nigerian with National appeal. We are seriously considering him ahead of Tinubu in 2023,” he said.
