TheCable

Tony Aziegbemi, chairman of the Edo state chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), says the presidential ticket should be zoned to the south-south.

Addressing journalists at the first anniversary of the state executive on Monday, Aziegbemi said zoning the presidential ticket to the south-south will “right the wrong that was inflicted” following the exit of the previous administration of President Goodluck Jonathan.

Jonathan had served for a single four-year term as his reelection bid was thwarted following his defeat by President Muhammadu Buhari in 2015.

Aziegbemi, who claimed that the south-south was “short-changed”, called on the party’s national leaders to zone the presidential ticket to the region ahead of the 2023 general election.

“Our zone, I believe, was shortchanged when President Goodluck Jonathan was stopped from getting a second term. With that in mind, and with the quality of leaders from the zone, we demand that our party, PDP, must zone the presidency to the south-south to at least right the wrong that was inflicted,” he said.

“Our zone is the most PDP-centric zone in the country with all the states being governed by PDP and all the governors performing excellently well. We wish to place on record that we are very proud of all our governors in the zone.

“It is the most ‘Nigerianised’ and contributes immensely to the federation purse. We have the buccaneering spirit, gritty resolve, give and take, a conviction that everyone is entitled to the same dignity, courtesy, and esteem.

“These values of integrity, impartiality, and merit have proved timeless and are a decisive legacy of our founding fathers.”

Commenting on the first anniversary of the executive, he said the state’s leadership has built a strong foundation that will contribute to the party’s success in subsequent elections.

“I believe that we have laid a solid foundation. I believe our victory in the last general election is a testimony that Edo people trust us and believe in the vision of the governor and the party,” he said.

“It is now time to build upon the foundation we laid so that we can sustain Edo PDP in government over many election cycles.

“I humbly submit that our party has eminent men and women from across the six zones of the country that can lead us to victory.”