May 2, 2022

The pan-Yoruba socio-cultural group, Afenifere, has re-affirmed its calls for the presidential ticket to be zoned to the South-East region of the country, citing morality, fairness and justice.

Chief Ayo Adebanjo, Afenifere leader, said this on Sunday in Ogun State. Adebanjo who had consistently championed the cause of the South East to produce the next President said this will address the matter  of marginalization in the spirit of fairness and unity.

“It is a question of principle. It is a question of morality. It’s a question of being inclusive in everything we do,” he said during an interview on Channels Television’s Sunday Politics. “If you want peace, you must have equity,” he said.

He argued that the South-West has had its turn with former President Olusegun Obasanjo and Vice President Yemi Osinbajo; the South-South with ex-President Goodluck Jonathan, political parties should zone the post to the South-East.

The visibly angry Afenifere chief thundered: “Is South-East not in the south? Is it not in Nigeria?” adding that Nigeria had always given consideration to every part even during the pre-Independence days.

He referenced issues  such as federal character and zoning as some of the things that have given Nigerians a sense of oneness.

“It is because of this inclusiveness we put federal character in the constitution,” he added.

On the issue of constitution review, he said: “Until you change this constitution – it is the problem of the country – you won’t get anywhere and there is evidence that Buhari is not willing because, in my own view, he has a private agenda.

“Everyday, kidnapping; everyday bombing” he stressed, insisting that these and other crimes ravaging the country are a direct threat to 2023 general elections.