Stephen Ukandu (News/Features Editor).
Determined to clinch the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, presidential ticket in 2023, aspirants of the number one position in the country from the South-East geo-political zone, have united to win the ticket.
The presidential hopefuls who met in Abuja on Saturday, demanded that the PDP ticket be ceded to the zone, which has not tasted power for over 50 years.
Those who attended the Abuja parley were former Governor of Anambra State, Peter Obi; former Senate President, Anyim Pius Anyim; Mazi Sam Ohuabunwa; and Dr Nwachukwu Anakwenze.
Addressing newsmen after the parley, Senator Anyim, said, “We have agreed to work together as a team and that we will work together to ensure that a South-Easterner emerges as PDP flag bearer.
“We intend to consult with other zones on this issue and it is based on fairness and equity.
“In doing so, it is important to note that we have always supported other zones and we now expect them to reciprocate.”
“It is to our knowledge that more aspirants may have obtained forms under PDP, and we hope they will join us later.”
Asked if they would present a consensus candidate, Anyim said, “When we get to the bridge, we will cross it. We will work together in the interest of the Party, in the interest of the nation and in the interest of the South-East.”
On whether the South-East PDP Governors are behind the move, Anyim said the aspirants would not speak for the Governors.
Mazi Ohuabunwa had told Ikengaonline that the option of consensus was not out of the table if it became necessary.
Former National Organising Secretary of the PDP, Col. Austin Akobundu, had also said stakeholders from the zone were consulting with other zones for a possible zoning of the presidential ticket to the South-East.
