Ex-Governor Peter Obi of Anambra has announced his ambition to become Nigeria’s next president only if his party, Peoples Democratic Party, zones the presidential ticket to the South.

“Yes, I will step into the field to contest for the opportunity to serve this great country as president if my party, the @OfficialPDPNig, zones the ticket to the South. But if it is thrown open, Nigerians will also hear from me. -PO,” the former Anambra state governor tweeted.

In January, Senate chief whip Orji Kalu disclosed he would run for president next year if the All Progressives Congress zones its presidential ticket to the South-East.

While some political elites believe political parties should zone the presidential ticket to the region, others have argued that all geopolitical zones should get the same opportunity.

The South-East remains the only region yet to produce the country’s president.

Should parties listen to the growing agitations for the South-East presidency, Mr Obi will have to go against the likes of former Governors Orji Uzor Kalu, Rochas Okorocha and ex-Senate President Ayim Pius Ayim, who fancy themselves as Nigeria’s next president.

At the moment, APC national leader Bola Tinubu, Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, ex-Vice President Atiku Abubakar and Governor Aminu Tambuwal are warming up for the 2023 race, ignoring the call for a power shift to the South-East.