By Aisha Ibrahim
Amid intense policking and political moves ahead of the next general polls, Former Nigerian President, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo has resonated calls for a president of Igbo extraction in 2023.
Obasanjo noted that he believes that Southeasterners have what it takes to help Nigeria fight poverty, citing their economic acumen.
The former president made this known on Thursday when he received a presidential aspirant on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Mazi Sam Ohuabunwa, in his Abeokuta home.
“Beyond bringing unity to Nigeria or being the cement that holds the country together, I believe that Southeasterners can model hard work and entrepreneurship. That will help in wealth creation and fight against poverty, which is ravaging Nigeria,” Obasanjo said.
According to him, supporting an Igbo man to emerge as next Nigerian president will also bring total reconciliation and solidarity to Nigeria.
There have been talks about the South East region producing President Muhammadu Buhari’s successor come 2023. Some of the leading contenders of Igbo extraction for the nation’s top job include former Senate President, Anyim Pius Anyim; Ebonyi State governor, Dave Umahi; former Anambra governor, Peter Obi; ex-deputy governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, Kingsley Moghalu; former Abia State governor, Orji Uzor Kalu; Sam Ohuabunwa, ex-Imo State governor, Rochas Okorocha, among others.
