2023: South-East PDP leaders endorse Anyim’s Presidential ambition, want PDP ticket zoned to

ABAKALIKI – Leaders of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in the South-East zone on Thursday endorsed the aspiration of the former Secretary to Government of the Federation, Anyim Pius Anyim, to contest the position of the President of Nigeria in 2023.

The PDP leaders including Zonal and State Executives of the Party as well as select political leaders and elders from across Abia, Anambra, Ebonyi, Enugu and Imo States, who met at Best Western Hotel,Enugu, at the instance of Anyim, also appealed to the PDP to zone their presidential ticket to the South East zone, in the interest of equity, justice and harmonious national cohesion.

These were contained in a resolution signed by Senator T.A Orji and Chief Duru Ihe-oma (SAN), the Chairman and Secretary of the Session,respectively.

“The people of the South East geo political zone have earned the right to occupy the office of President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria in 2023 on account of their eminent qualifications and overwhelming contributions to the development of all parts of the federation through the years.

“We further reiterate that the choice of a South East citizen as presidential candidate of the party in 2023 will guarantee to every Nigerian a sense of equity, justice and inclusion in the management of the affairs of the nation. In our view, this is the best way of ensuring that we build a nation that leaves no one or group behind,” the leaders said.

Anyim,a former President of the Nigeria Senate, had convened the meeting, tagged “South East Briefing and Consultative Session” to brief leaders of the party in the zone on how far he had gone with his nationwide consultation over his presidential ambition.

The leaders commended Senator Anyim for making himself available to contest the office of the president of the country.

“On account of the foregoing, we congratulate Senator Anyim Pius Anyim for the patriotism of his decision to offer himself for national service by aspiring to contest in the 2023 Presidential race. We take due cognizance of his precious record of distinguished and unblemished service as President of the Senate and Secretary to the Government of the Federation.

“In these positions, he distinguished himself as a detribalized statesman, consensus builder and true nationalist. We, therefore, unanimously endorse his aspiration with all conviction and enthusiasm and eagerly recommend him to the rest of the nation as a worthy leader who will pilot the affairs of the nation towards greater security, unity and prosperity for all citizens.

“In furtherance of the foregoing, we hereby oblige Senator Anyim his request that we all join him to persuade and reassure every part of the country to do justice to the South East and thereby promote equity and justice as core values of our nation.

“In assuring Senator Anyim of our support for his aspiration, we wish to also extend the same hand of support and solidarity to all qualified and deserving sons and daughters of our zone with similar aspiration and who reach out to us as Senator Anyim has done, the PDP leaders noted.

They expressed profound gratitude to Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu State and Governor Okezie Ikpeazu of Abia State for what they described as their outstanding leadership of thePDP in the South East Zone and their clear articulation of the interests of the zone at all platforms and organs of the party.

Earlier,Senator Anyim while briefing the party leaders said he had consulted leaders across the country and thought it wise to brief the people of the zone on the progress made, so far.

While announcing his preparedness to occupy the number one political seat of Nigeria, Anyim said, “I am convinced with due modesty, that I am willing and available, ready and equipped, by experience and exposure, temperament and humility, capacity and competence to serve Nigeria at this point in time as her President.”

Anyim further added, “From my consultations so far, I am glad to report that the responses have been overwhelmingly encouraging and inspiring. Above all, I am also happy to report that the mood of the nation favours the rotation of the Presidency to Southern Nigeria. It is also to my knowledge that the South East stakeholders have repeatedly made the case for zoning the Presidency to the South East, for equity and fairness.

“Nevertheless, you may recall that when I declared my interest to contest for the presidency, I was emphatic that I will contest whether the presidency is zoned to the South or not. This is because If the presidency is zoned to South East, it will satisfy the just demand of equity and fairness. If it is not zoned to the South East, it will remain a burden on the conscience of the nation.

“Let me therefore at this point join all well meaning Nigerians to appeal to all the political parties to take the fair, just and equitable decision to zone their presidential slots to the South particularly the South East.

“Let me also at this point state clearly that I am aware that I am not the only aspirant from the South East seeking to run for the office of president. I encourage my brothers who so desire to please step out in their respective parties and after the primaries the nation shall choose among us according to their good judgement, after all it is God who gives power. I therefore encourage you to give any other of our brothers and sisters opportunities as you have given me today.

“From all my consultations, I can reassure this assembly that our basis for hope remains sound. Our optimism about Nigeria is a shared one because what we desire for Nigeria is exactly what the leaders of other sections want. We all want a more united Nigeria. We all want a safe country. We all want a fair country that gives every citizen a fair shot at every available opportunity. The net result of my consultations is that I have found common ground with fellow compatriots on the need for a better Nigeria for ourselves and our children.”