Former Governor of Kano State, Ibrahim Shekarau, has implored the leadership of All Progressives Congress to consider fielding the 2023 presidential candidate from the southern part of the country.
He spoke during an interview with British Broadcasting Corporation Hausa Service, in Kano.
According to him, power rotation among the geo-political zones would give every Nigeria a sense of belonging.
“This is also the same with rotating the presidency between the North and the South. If we ignore power shifts, we are not being fair to ourselves and we are not fair to history. In my opinion, a power shift is necessary for all Nigerians to have a sense of belonging”, Shekarau said.
He added that the zoning and a rotation pattern was not in the constitution, but that it remains the best way to maintain peace, fairness and unity.
He said “For instance, the present six geopolitical zones are not reflected in Nigeria’s constitution, but it is a good arrangement. You cannot implement any policy in Nigeria without taking geopolitical zones into consideration.
“You see, the North alone cannot produce enough votes for the president. Likewise the South; it is only when we come together. My belief is not only geopolitical regions, there is no state in the federation that does not have a competent person to lead this country.
“I am of the opinion that we should exercise patience and bring our brothers from the South close to us.”
When asked what may happen if PDP fields a northern candidate for the position; he said “Each (party) is trying to outsmart the other. My advice to the parties (APC and PDP) is that they should not look at zoning from political exploitation, but what should be just and fair.”
“Fair play and competence of the candidate should be the guiding principle,” he added.