The Movement for Election of Nigeria President of Igbo Extraction has urged Nigerians to elect someone from the South-East as President in 2023 in the spirit of democracy, justice and fairness

The National Convener of the group, Vincent Ezekwueme, made the call in Enugu while speaking on Democracy Day (June 12) and its importance to national unity.

Nigerians exhibited unprecedented love and patriotism during the June 12, 1993 presidential election where all sections of the country voted for the late MKO Abiola in the true spirit of democracy, justice and fairness.

Mr Ezekwueme noted that electing someone from South-East extraction as president could be done notwithstanding political party, tribe or religion affiliations.

“Nigerians should allow this golden opportunity to end cries of marginalisation and injustice by collectively and collaboratively working for actualising Nigeria President of Igbo Extraction in 2023,” he said.

Mr Ezekwueme added: “Let us cede the presidency to a bright, truthful and forward looking politician from the South-East as the greatest Democracy Day gift for the zone.”

The activist’s appeal comes as political parties have concluded primaries to elect their presidential flag bearer. None of the two leading political parties; the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) chose an Igbo person as their candidate.

PDP’s Atiku Abubakar (North-East) and APCs Bola Tinubu (South-West) would be flying their respective party’s flag.

Meanwhile, the Labour Party has given its presidential ticket to promising former governor of Anambra State, Peter Obi.

Mr Ezekwueme argues that “It is noteworthy that South-West had since inception of current democratic dispensation, produced President Olusegun Obasanjo, Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, three Speakers Dimeji Bankole, Patricia Ette, Femi Gbajabiamila while South-South ruled for six years under President Goodluck Jonathan.

“It is of prime importance to note that justice, equity, morality, good conscience and patriotism demands that the presidency should be zoned to the South-East, to heal permanently the wounds and pains of marginalisation.”

“I commend the Labour Party for electing one of the best presidential aspirants from South-East extraction, Peter Obi, as its presidential candidate for the 2023 election,” he added.

(NAN)