Obasanjo joins the ranks of those calling for an Igbo president come 2023 saying it is their turn

FORMER president Chief Olusegun Obasanjo has joined the ranks of those calling for Nigeria's next leader to come from the southeast geo-political zone saying that it is only fair that the country elects an Igbo president in 2023.

Although not constitutional, Nigeria's component parts have a gentleman's agreement that the presidency will rotate between the north and the south of the country. President Buhari's tenure will end in 2023 and being a Fulani northern Muslim, it is expected that the next president will come from one of the three geo-political zones in southern Nigeria.

Since the return to democracy in 1999, the southwest has produced President Olusegun Obasanjo and the south-south President Goodluck Jonathan, so come 2023, the presidency should automatically go to the southeast. However, so far, a consensus has not been reached regarding zoning the presidency to the southeast next year.

However, speaking while receiving presidential aspirant Senator Mao Ohuabunwa in Abeokuta, Chief Obasanjo said it was time for reconciliation in Nigeria by supporting a president from the southeast geo-poli5ical zone in 2023. He added that a southeastern president can bring a lot to the table if elected.

Chief Obasanjo said: “Beyond bringing unity to Nigeria or being the cement that holds Nigeria together, I believe that southeasterners can model hard work and entrepreneurship. This will help in wealth creation and fight against poverty, which is ravaging Nigeria.”

Offering some advice to the aspirant, Chief Obasanjo warned Mr Ohuabunwa that running for president is a tough job. Across the southeast, a group called the Igbo Leadership Development Foundation has been campaigning vigorously for the presidency to be zoned to the southeast in 2023.