Ethnic nationalities in Nigeria seem to have taken a joint position on the Nigerian presidential race in 2023.

They include pan-Yoruba socio-political group, Afenifere; Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF), and Southern and Middle-Belt Leaders Forum (SMBLF).

They have all called on all political parties in the country to zone their presidential tickets to the south.

They also called on all lovers of peace and equity in Nigeria, particularly the people of south and Middle Belt zone, to reject any political party that failed to zone its presidential ticket to the southern portion of the country.

The ethnic nationalities condemned the 1999 Constitution and current structure of Nigeria, which they described as grossly flawed.

They insist on the need for “fundamental restructuring of the country, to reflect true federalism, and enthrone equity, fairness and justice, before the 2023 general elections.”

The Southern and Middle-Belt leaders made the calls in a communiqué issued at the end of their meeting in Abuja, the Federal Capital, and signed by the leader, Dr E. K. Clark; Chief Ayo Adebanjo on behalf of Afenifere, Dr Pogu Bitrus (SMBLF) Ambassador Okey Emuchay (Ohanaeze Ndigbo) and Senator Emmanuel Ibok Essien (PANDEF).

Delegations that attended the parley that took place on Thursday were former governors, ministers, federal and state legislators, top politicians and professionals, including Senator Jonah Jang, Chief Cornelius Adebayo, Senator Femi Okurounmu, Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu, Prof. Ihechukwu Madubuike, Prof. Charles Nwekeabu, Chief Gary Igwariwey, Senator Bassey Ewa Henshaw, HRH Eze Cletus Iluomanya, Dr Solomon Arase, Chief Supo Shonibare, Chief Sola Ebiseni and Chief Edozie Ezeugwa.

Others are Eze Ibe Nwosu, Bekinbo Dagogo-Jack, Nze Ozichukwu Chukwu, Elder Steven Bangoji, Dr. Akin Fapohunda, Dr. Alabi Femi, Dame Betty Igbeyi, Hon Stella Dorgu, Nella Andem-Ewa, Dr. Ebun Sonaiya, Hon. Edward Pwajok, Dr. Alex Ogbonnia, Eze Charles Olisakwe, Hon. Keftin Amiga, CP Iorbes Ihagh (Rtd), Dr Esther Mangzha, Mrs Beatrice Eze, Elizabeth A. Jibrin, Engr. Bayo Adenekan, Elder Mac Emakpore, Chief Douyi Douglas-Naingba, Akin Osuntokun, Hon. Jonathan Asake (SOKAPU), Comrade Jare Ajayi and Ken Robinson, among others.

The meeting extensively discussed the state of affairs in the country, particularly, the security situation, restructuring and the 2023 General Elections.

“All lovers of peace and equity in Nigeria, particularly our people of Southern Nigeria and Middle Belt region, should reject any political party that fails to zone its presidential ticket to the South.”

The cautioned political stakeholders from southern Nigeria against aspirations or actions that would compromise the shared resolve of the people.

No dispute with Buhari on religion – Osinbajo

The leaders of the ethnic nationalities, in the communiqué, while again reiterating their call for fundamental restructuring of the country to reflect true federalism, and enthrone equity, fairness and justice, before the 2023 General Elections, noted that Local Government affairs, in particular, were state matters and that the listing of Local Governments in the Constitution was inconsistent with the principle of Federalism.