Governor of Ekiti State Dr. Kayode Fayemi has said that he is not an advocate of zoning.
The comments of the governor – who spoke on Channels Television’s Sunday Politics – comes on the heels of various calls to have a President of Southeastern extraction.
Though Fayemi said he was not in support of Zoning, he however noted that he understands the position of those who do.
Many from the south-east region of Nigeria have over the years felt marginalized and believe that 2023 is the year for a balance to be achieved in the Nigerian political sphere.
Reacting to this, Fayemi said there is no reason why candidates from all parts of Nigeria will not partake in the primaries when the stage is set in 2023.
According to him: I am not an advocate of zoning, [but] I understand why those who feel marginalized will want that to happen. I also understand that in a country that is multicultural, multi-religious, and multi-ethnic; one of the equilibrating mechanisms is to ensure that those in leadership represent the mosaic that the country is.
“That, for me, is not something to be confused about. I am strongly of the view that excellent Nigerians come from all part of Nigeria. There is no place where you are looking for qualified purpose-driven leaders that you will not find.
“If that’s the reason Gov. David Umahi has come to the party, he is very well within his rights to aspire to be President. I have heard from him directly, and he made it clear that he is not seeking a Presidential ticket. There is no reason you won’t find candidates from all over Nigeria when you get to that stage in 2023.”
