The Chief Whip of the Senate, Orji Uzor Kalu, says he will run for president in 2023 if his party, the All Progressives Congress (APC) zones the position to South-East.

In a statement released on Sunday in Abuja, the former Abia governor urged the APC to reveal its zoning formula for the next elections, saying “It is time to strengthen the unity of the country by making a South Easterner the president of Nigeria.”

Mr Kalu asserted that he has “built a formidable spread across regions” which places him as a “most detribalised Nigerian with rich experience in economy, business, politics, security and sports to lead the people and manage the economy.”

“I shall be running for the Office of the President if the party zones it to the South-East,” he declared.

He, however, added that should the party not zone the position to the South-East, he would abide by the decision.

On the unity of the country, Mr Kalu encouraged Nigerians to do away with tribalism and all factors that prevent the achievement of national unity in Nigeria.

“Despite that Nigeria is facing serious challenges in the maintenance of security and national unity, we should understand that we are made to stay together as a society. I believe in the unity of this country because we are better as one.

“If the potentials of the citizens of the country are adequately harnessed, we will see more reasons to embrace one another and win together.

“We are, therefore, required to stand strong and forget all other factors such as tribalism, hatred, among the other factors that prevent the achievement of national security and unity in Nigeria,” Mr Kalu said.

(NAN)