Senator identifies with South-South presidency in 2023

The representative of Akwa Ibom North-West Senatorial District in the National Assembly, Christopher Ekpenyong, has backed the clamour by the South-South geo-political zone to produce President Muhammadu Buhari’s successor in 2023.

Fielding questions from reporters in Uyo, the former deputy governor of the state, hinted that he might join the race if the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) throws the ticket open

Foreclosing his return to the Senate in the political dispensation, the lawmaker stated: “I am fully in support of South-South presidency in 2023. I want to urge the geo-political zone to contest for the highest office in the land come 2023. We must be ready to present a candidate. I may be one of those that will seek the position.

“If my party, the PDP, finally decides to throw the ticket open, I will declare my intention. I will not re-contest for Senate in 2023, but I might be seeking the highest office. We (South-South) have been cheated enough in the past.”

He continued: “You could remember when Goodluck Jonathan was to return to office in 2015, the North opposed. There was a serious gang up against the South-South. This time, things will be different. We must present a candidate, but that will depend on whether the party will zone the ticket or leave it open.”

He decried the imposition of successors on the people by outgoing governors in the states, urging that the trend should be halted before the 2023 polls.

“This is democracy and the citizens must be allowed to choose their leaders by themselves. I want this incumbent governor to correct the mistakes of the past by not imposing their successors on the people,” Ekpenyong cautioned.