By Gbenga Abulude
As the debate on the zoning arrangement for 2023 presidency hots up, there has been a strong clamour for the next president to come from the southern part of the country.
In recent days, following an outburst by President Muhammadu Buhari’s nephew, Mamman Daura on rotational presidency, leaders and power blocs in the South have been talking tough on why power must leave the North in 2023 after Buhari would have completed his eight years in office.
In the south west, two leaders have shared different opinions on the presumed ambition of All Progressives Congress national leader, Asiwaju Ahmed Tinubu to become the next president.
Chief Ayo Adebanjo, leader of the pan-Yoruba Socio-cultural group, Afenifere, who spoke to Sun Newspaper, disagreed on principle that Tinubu should become the choice of the Yorubas if the zoning arrangement tilts towards the South West. But former chairman of APC in Lagos, Mr Dele Ajomale insists that the predigree of Asiwaju Tinubu gives him a upper hand over any other person from the region to vie for the presidency.
Adebanjo baring his mind on the zoning arrangement also said, the basis for seeking such office by Tinubu was not proper as zoning was not in the constitution in the first place.
“There must be a constitution before you talk about system of government, that is the root problem.
“When they say, zoning, some people will say it is not in the constitution; it is better we go back to the constitution and make all these things clear, then we know what law we are being ruled.
Chief Adebanjo who has been clamouring for restructuring of the country, insists that the constitution is skewed against zoning and must be changed before the talk about zoning becomes a topical matter.
He said, “They promised Jagaban that they will make him president; I’m not against that, but let us change the constitution first.
“If you want to make my son the president under this constitution, I will oppose it; I will oppose any Southerner who wants to run under this constitution. Let us change the constitution and let us agree on the terms to live. You cannot impose a constitution that is loaded against the South on us,” says Adebanjo
Mr Ajomale averred on his position, stating he was not surprised at his comment and disdain for Asiwaju Tinubu. He said
“I have said this before and let him make a statement to say that Ayo Adebanjo is talking nonsense.”
“That is his usual position on any issue relating to Tinubu. While Adebanjo is entitled to his own personal opinion, the view of majority of Nigerians especially APC members across the country is that Tinubu still remains a strong force to reckon with in the party, and not only in APC but in Nigerian politics.
The debate on zoning in determining the next President in 2023 came to the fore when Daura, an aide to Buhari stated in an interview with BBC Hausa Service, that the next president should be determined by merit and could come from anywhere in the country.
This assertion has stoked fire embers and condemnation from different zones declaring that the south ought to produce the next president.
The New Diplomat had on Saturday reported that Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai favoured power returning to the South, stating that he would not support a Northerner for the presidency in 2023.
