By Iffy
Afenifere, Yoruba Council of Elders, YCE, Pan-Pan-Niger Delta Forum, PANDEF, and Oduduwa United People Association, ODUPA, among other key southern regional groups and leaders have agreed to disagree on the idea of another Northern regime, holding that the next leader must be of Southern descent.
The group, who made their stand known, cautioned against abandoning rotational presidency in 2023, maintaining that they were more concerned about the electoral process and where the next President should come from, rather about doing what the AJC did in Kaduna,
However, PANDEF said plans are ongoing to have an interface with candidates from the South in line with the clamour for southern presidency.
The General Secretary of Afenifere, Chief Olusola Ebiseni, in a statement said;
“For over a year, in Afenifere and among other groups, particularly the Southern and Middle Belt Leaders Forum, we have, through rigorous debates, given the Nigerian situation a critical analysis and finally taken a position on what we objectively considered best to secure Nigeria. Our corporate existence and prosperity can only be peacefully guaranteed where and when no part is oppressed.”
“To that extent, we reiterate unequivocally that the next President of Nigeria should be from the South after Muhammadu Buhari, and for equity, the South-East, which is the only region that has not produced the President, should produce the President. And we found Mr. Peter Obi of the Labour Party is competent and suitable.
On his part, Founder, ODUPA worldwide, Chief Jimoh Taofeek, said his group is not interested in organizing any political debate for the presidential candidates adding that,
“This is the position and decision of the organisation because we strongly believe there is no way any of the presidential candidates or even anybody can perform magic as long as the 1999 constitution is still in use.
“The 1999 constitution is not people-oriented, but was written by a few selected Nigerians and promulgated by Decree 24 of 1999 without subjecting it to a referendum”
“How can a constitution that centralises security, judiciary and resource control with no autonomy for local governments among others succeed? I can’t understand how a constitution that takes care of a certain religion but neglects others, thrives.” he added.
