2023 Presidency: Saraki Reveals Position On Zoning

Former Senate President, Dr. Bukola Saraki has revealed his position on the controversies surrounding calls for the 2023 presidency to be zoned to a particular region.

Saraki in his view submitted that zoning should not be the only factor to be considered in choosing the next President of Nigeria.

Though the former Kwara State Governor acknowledged that zoning was instituted as a way to ensure equity, other factors such as character, competence, and quality leadership must be considered by political parties in choosing their candidates.

Naija News reports Saraki made his mind known on the issue during a Twitter space chat on Saturday which was hosted by Rinu Oduala of the #EndSARS protest fame.

He said: “When we talk about zoning, we need to look at it from a historical perspective. Our party, after 1999, instituted zoning to ensure that there was equity. Now, we have seen that zoning is a factor, but it is not the only factor.

“We must look at the character, competence, and quality of leadership. We need a modern progressive leader that understands current issues and can bring people together. The younger generation just wants the government to not be in their way so that they too can define their future.”

Saraki reiterated his position that young Nigerians want competent leaders, while also emphasizing that his party, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), instituted zoning as a way to ensure that there was a sense of justice and equity in government by all parts of the county.

His declaration comes amidst clamours from certain political stakeholders for the 2023 presidency to be zoned to the southern region of the country.