The prospects of the South East producing a Nigerian president in the nearest future seems to have suffered a serious set back.
This is following the revelations that both the ruling party APC and major opposition PDP, are not favourably disposed to fielding South East presidential candidates in 2023.
According to usually realiable source, “both the APC and the PDP will go for northern presidential candidates.
The PDP is planning an Aminu Tambuwal/ Ifeanyi Okowa race. Tambuwal is the Sokoto governor, while Okowa is the Delta State governor.
Both are serving second term governors. “If the above plot goes through, the meaning is that the South East is left out. However, of course, you are aware that all eyes have been on Peter Obi. Obi will pick the PDP presidential form.
He will contest as aspirant, run a very massive and robust campaign, but will lose the way the late Alex Ekwueme lost to retired General Olusegun Obasanjo on two occasions. If the PDP wins, he will be considered for the position of secretary to the federal government of Nigeria.
“Another big consideration is Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe who represents Abia South in the national assembly. Since 2017 when Abaribe started calling for the release of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu from detention to when he signed as his surety, through his condemnation of the prescription of IPOB and his general defence of Ndigbo in the face of perceived marginalization, the former Abia State deputy governor had gained a cult figure among the Igbo. He is being considered”.
The source continued, “In a most strategic move, PDP’s 2019 presidential candidate and former president, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, who still nurses a presidential ambition, is said to have concluded plans to pick Governor David Umahi as his running mate if he picks the umbrella party’s ticket. Mind you, these are the current issues for now. Politics is like European football transfer market – it changes with trends”.
The reliable source also noted that “The APC is toeing with about three ideas. One, Governor Nasir el Rufai and transport minister Rotimi Amaechi plot., any northerner and Governor Kayode Fayemi assault or, as we are noticing now, the return of Predident Goodluck Jonathan. The Jonathan idea is to allow the south to rule for just four years and power will go back to the north”.
