The Senate Chief Whip and presidential hopeful, Orji Uzor Kalu, has asked the All Progressives Congress (APC) to immediately disclose its zoning formula ahead of the 2023 primary elections.
He said: “As the presidential primary election approaches, the issue of zoning is once again central and, as usual, contentious. The party is gearing towards making forms available for different elective positions and it is important that the party, as a matter of urgency, reveal her zoning plans for intending aspirants.
“The zoning of offices is very important as it will not only show light on the path of contenders but also save the party from unnecessary disagreements and litigations after primaries.
“My earlier calls and that of other political leaders, stakeholders, opinion molders, amongst others for the need of sensitivity to the Southeast region that have been excluded from the presidency should be a concern to all well-meaning Nigerians with a conscience.
“The year 2023 is really a good time to tweak our democratic experiment and create everlasting history in such a way that shows sensitivity to the country’s cultural uniqueness and makes all regions feel a sense of belonging. It is time to strengthen the unity of the country by making a Southeasterner president of Nigeria. There is absolutely no better time for it than now.
“In our country, today, having built a formidable spread across regions, I consider myself the most detribalized 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 Southeast.
“However, in the absence of the zoning to the Southeast, I understand the supremacy of the party and shall abide by the decision of the party.”
On the unity of the country, 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 each other 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,” Kalu stated.