The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has stated it has not zoned its presidential ticket to the South or any region of the country.
Bibian Anekwe News reports that the Deputy National Publicity Secretary of PDP, Abdullahi Ibrahim, made this known on Wednesday in an interview with ThisDay.
Ibrahim disclosed that all the regions are entitled to contest for the presidential ticket, stressing that no zone would be denied the chance to produce the party’s flagbearer that would rescue and rebuild the country.
He asserted that the opposition party believed in equity and fairness, noting that the party will not favour any region ahead of the presidential primaries.
He said, “For the opportunities that are available, you heard the convener talking about providing equal opportunity for Nigerians to bid for the available political offices. For those who are interested in pursuing the presidency, we are opening it for every Nigerian to pursue and many other offices that are national in outlook, Nigerians are free to pursue.
The presidency should be thrown open. As we speak, every Nigerian is bidding from the South-east, from the South-west, and from the North. No section of Nigeria will be denied an opportunity to contest or aspire. It is left for Nigerians to decide where they want to allow the presidency to go.”
Reacting to the statement made by former governor of Anambra State, Peter Obi, on zoning the ticket to the South East, Ibrahim said that the party has stated its position clearly.
He said; “What Peter Obi said was if it favours the South-east and as one Nigeria, who comes from that zone, he will contest. But it’s a question of allowing everyone to bid; it’s a platform that is opened to all Nigerians on equal and justifiable process. If you think you are suitable, come and throw your cap in the ring and the remaining will be story.
We will not condone twisted and half-baked conclusions. From 1999 to 2023, the South would have ruled Nigeria for 14 years, while the north for 10 years. Why should we then prioritise the south to take over when the north has a shortfall?”
Bibian Anekwe News
