Former Ekiti State governor, Ayodele Fayose, has said Atiku Abubakar, the presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), cannot be Nigeria’s president in 2023 as it is the turn of the southern region.  

On Wednesday, the frank-talking PDP chieftain tweeted: “The current President of Nigeria is a 2-term Northern Presidency, thus implying that it MUST be a Southern Presidency in 2023 or NOTHING. Awa ‘South’ lo kan’. Nigerians should await details soon.”

President Muhammadu Buhari, from North-West, is expected to complete his eight-year reign in May 2023. Mr Abubakar, who hails from Adamawa State in the North-East is plotting to succeed Mr Buhari after winning his party’s presidential primary election in May.

Prior to his emergence, there have been rumbles against the PDP decision to throw the position open against the spirit of its Constitution which prefers zoning of offices. 

Mr Fayose stressed that the constitution guiding the PDP provides for a rotational presidency. 

“The PDP Constitution provides for a rotational Presidency. Section 3 (c) provides that the Party shall pursue its aims & objectives by adhering to the policy of the rotation & zoning of Party & Public elective offices in pursuance of the principle of equity, justice, and fairness,” he tweeted further.

Although, Mr Fayose’s twit has come under serious heavy attack and criticism by many of his followers. 

The opposition, PDP has been struggling with the internal division since Mr Atiku emerged as the flag bearer of the party even as he picked Governor Ifeanyi Okowa of Delta state, as his running mate. 

On Wednesday, Benue governor Samuel Ortom flayed the manner of emergence of Mr Okowa, saying Mr Atiku disregarded the recommendation of a committee which suggested that he runs with Rivers Governor Nyesom Wike.