2023 Election: Coalition groups endorse former Senate President

A coalition of support groups numbering 85 yesterday in Abuja endorsed the presidential ambition of former Senate President Anyim Pius Anyim in the 2023 general elections.

The coalition coordinated by the United for Better Nigeria Initiative (UBNi) said it was the turn of the southeast geopolitical zone to produce the next president of Nigeria, favouring Anyim amongst the lot that has shown interest so far.

Speaking at a formal unveiling of the coalition in collaboration with northern and southern coalition groups, the Director-General of UBNi, Mrs Nkolika Mkparu-Okeke, said Anyim, who also served the country as the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, SGF was qualified to become president on account of his meritorious service to the nation. Mkparu-Okeke said that the southeast should be given a chance at the presidency, in all fairness.

“We worked judiciously to select the best candidate. We have many candidates from South-East Nigeria. We have suitable candidates across the nation. We are asking the country to support electing a president of South-East extraction for inclusiveness and fairness. It is morally right. We are not claiming that it must be given, but we say it is about time to get people in the southeast inclusive of the nation’s affairs.

“The South-East has served the country in different capacities, and they have delivered effectively. All those looking for the presidency are qualified, but UBNI is looking for the most qualified, who would cut across the nation. Who would understand what you and I feel? Who understands that we need everyone to advance any country.

“We are here to endorse him. We have 84 other groups to ensure the aim is achieved. We are calling on all Nigerians to join us in making it come true for the country’s benefit. Please, all should endeavour to get their voter’s cards. 2023 would be like no other. It would need tenacity and audacity to make it work.”

“He would fix the country’s problem. Nigerians are doing well in other parts of the world. Why are we not doing this in the country? We need good leadership to appreciate the strength of Nigeria. 

“He is experienced for the job having being senate president and SGF among other responsibilities. He is prepared with experience and started strongly. He has the temperament. We need someone that would unite the country. It is the beginning of a new Nigeria.”

Also speaking for the coalition of northern supporters, Alhaji Shehu Suleman urged other Nigerians to support the southeast zone.

“We also stand with the southeast because we have seen democratically elected presidents from the north and west, but we are yet to have one from the southeast, which are the three main ethnic groups in Nigeria. Justifiably and non-negotiable, we need to see leadership from the southeast as well. Peace, justice and progress can never be attained without justifiable and rotational leadership. What are we afraid of? Are they not Nigerians? God created man in his image. We are all one before God and must work together for the growth of the country,” he said.

In his remarks, the leader of support groups from the South, Dr Kayode Odeyemi, said Anyim was the most prepared for the top job.

“We will support him. Let us give him support. It is the right time for the SE. He has what it takes to solve the problems facing the country,” he said.

NAN/Suzan O.