Politics
Rotational presidency is constitutional says Igbo Elders Forum
***Warns, it will sanction any Igbo son that stoop to take VP position
The Igbo Elders Consultative Forum has declared that rotational Presidency is constitutional by virtue of the provision of the Federal character principles in the constitution.
Speaking at a press conference in Abuja at the situation room in Okwadike Close, Asokoro in Abuja on Wednesday, the secretary of the Forum Professor Charles Nwekeaku, said
“Legally, morally and strategically it is the turn of the South East to produce the next president of this country as the other zones have been given the opportunity to serve Nigeria in that capacity
Section 14[3] of the 1999 Constitution of Nigeria provides thus:
‘The composition on of the Government of the Federation or any of its agencies and the conduct of its affairs shall be carried out In such a manner as to reflect the Federal Character of Nigeria and the need to promote national unity, and [also] to command national loyalty, thereby ensuring that there shall be no predominance of persons from a few states or from a few ethnic or other sectional groups in that Government or in any of its agencies.’
“The above provision implies that South East should be allowed to occupy any of the following positions at any point in time, President, Vice-President, Senate President, Speaker of the House of Representatives, Chief Justice of the Federation, Secretary to the Government of the Federation [SGF]
Other positions he wants the Igbos to also be given fair opportunity to occupy are the Chief of Army Staff, Chief of Naval Staff, Chief of Defense Staff, Chief of Air Force, inspector General of Police, Chairman of EFCC, Chairman of ICPC, among others.
He also canvassed same for some Key ministerial portfolios, such as, Minister of Defense, Minister of Finance, Minister of Works and Housing, Minister of Petroleum, Minister of Education, Minuster of Internal Affairs are inclusive.
However, he alleged that the South East has no representative in any of the aforementioned positions, which he said is a clear breach of the principle of Federal Character.
“We decided to search for that section of the constitution because some people will come out and say there is no rotational presidency in the Nigerian constitution.
“We are saying that section 14(3) that provides for federal character implied that the rotational presidency is also in the constitution.”
The South East is strategically favored to produce the next president in 2023 for the fact that it has only occupied the position for only 6 months under Gen J. T. U. Agutyi ironsi, and has not come close to it since the current political dispensation that started in 1999
According to him, “A Nigerian President of South East extraction will bring out the Igbo spirit of ingenuity creativity, entrepreneurial, cooperative and economic disposition to rebuild Nigeria.
He said, numerous well established Igbos in Diaspora will be encouraged to come home and invest massively in the country to facilitate the economic recovery of Nigeria
“The 2023 Presidential election is the best time to fully address the injustice, marginalization and integration of the Igbos, as the Presidency is expected to rotate to the North after eight years
“Denying South East the opportunity of producing President of Nigeria in 2023 will not only aggravate the unprecedented separatist agitations across the country, but also amount to perpetuation of injustice, deprivation, discrimination and gross marginalization of the Igbos in Nigeria
“South East has many distinguished professionals, technocrats, economic and political leaders that are presidential materials, who are available and ready to make Nigeria work again for the benefit of all sections of the country
“The-unity of Nigeria: will be better guaranteed if the South east is allowed to produce the next President of Nigeria in 2023 for the sake of justice, equity and fairness
“The Igbo Elders Consultative Forum is aware of the orchestrated subterranean moves by some professional, but amateurism political jobbers and unpatriotic elements to change the popular demand of a spectrum of well-meaning and patriotic Nigerians that the Presidency of Nigeria in 2023 should be zoned to the Southern part of the country, preferably South East, by standing logic on its head.
“We maintain unequivocally that any political party that does otherwise will not get the votes of the South, and, will, ultimately lose 2023 Presidency.
“We are waiting for them, as they will meet their political waterloo this time if they insist on shortchanging the South East people this rare opportunity of producing a credible, patriotic, detribalized and dynamic president of Nigeria in 2023.
He used the occasion to warn against any Igbo son that will betray the agenda by stopping to take the vice presidency position.
According to him, such a fellow would be sanctioned.
The chairman of the forum Dr. Chukwuemeka Ezeife called for prayers for the Indigenous People of Biafran Leader Nnamdi Kanu who was being arraigned in court same day.
“Our son is again in court there and we are not expecting anything serious from the court except they add some charges but what we should do is to seriously go to God for prayers so that Nmamdi Kanu is released in very quick time.
“All powers belong to God, whatever power we are holding on earth.
He expressed gratitude to the young men and women in Nigeria who do not belong to those who have buried their consciences but have been advocating for power to shift to the South East.
The Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Kano State, Abdullahi Abbas, has publicly disowned the Minister of State for Housing and Urban Development, Yusuf Abdullahi Ata, declaring that he is not a member of the party.
Abbas made this statement while reacting to Ata’s recent criticism of him during a BBC Hausa interview, where the minister warned that he and his supporters would leave the APC if Abbas or anyone like him was reinstated as the party’s chairman in Kano.
In response, Abbas accused Ata of working against the APC during the 2023 elections, stating that they had reported his alleged anti-party activities to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
“To us APC members, Yusuf Ata is not a member of the APC. We don’t even know why he was appointed a minister,” Abbas said. “In the entire Kano State, it was only in his local government that we came third during the election.”
The statement is a highlight of growing tensions within the Kano APC, as party leadership continues to challenge Ata’s loyalty and legitimacy within its ranks.
The New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) in Kano has taken decisive disciplinary action against several of its members, including a senator and other legislators, over alleged anti-party activities.
Addressing journalists in Kano on Monday, the NNPP State Chairman, Alhaji Hashimu Dungurawa, announced that the affected lawmakers include Senator Kawu Sumaila (Kano South), Alhaji Abdullahi Sani Rogo (Rogo Federal Constituency), Alhaji Abdullahi Rurum (Rano/Kibiya), and Ali Maadakin Gini (Dala Federal Constituency).
Dungurawa expressed the party’s disappointment, stating that despite receiving complementary tickets during the party’s primaries, these legislators had allegedly worked against NNPP’s interests, principles, and values.
“The party is deeply concerned about the conduct of some National Assembly members who were elected under our platform but have chosen to betray the trust placed in them,” he stated.
The NNPP’s latest move signals a firm stance against internal disloyalty as the party seeks to maintain discipline within its ranks.
Following a successful Advisory and Directorate Committees meeting held recently, the Obidient Movement has reaffirmed its commitment to a united, strategic, and value-driven political future.
The meeting, described as a milestone gathering, brought together key stakeholders and leaders within the movement to solidify strategies for the 2027 general elections.
Central to the discussions was the vision of ensuring competent, value-based leadership, with a strong emphasis on supporting Peter Obi and like-minded leaders who embody the movement’s ideals of integrity, good governance, and accountability.
Participants at the meeting underscored the importance of organisation, coordination, and active participation in driving the movement’s objectives.
The event provided a platform for meaningful dialogue, reinforcing the need for structure, outreach, and grassroots mobilisation to sustain the momentum ahead of the next election cycle.
Following the deliberations, members left with a renewed sense of purpose, fully aware of the responsibilities ahead.
National Coordinator of the Movement, Dr. Yunusa Tanko
expressed confidence in the movement’s direction, thanking those who have taken up leadership roles in various directorates and advisory councils.
“We deeply appreciate all those who have accepted appointments to serve in different capacities. Their contributions will be critical in shaping the movement’s future. We also salute the millions of Obidients across Nigeria and beyond who tirelessly advocate and mobilise for a better country. Your dedication is the heartbeat of this movement,” Dr. Tanko stated.
Continuing, he said eith renewed energy and focus, the Obidient Movement is set to expand its structures nationwide, ensuring greater coordination and effectiveness.
According to him, the movement will also empower supporters with the tools needed to actively participate in governance and political processes as well as sustained mobilization at all levels, to reinforce the push for transformative leadership in Nigeria.
Dr. Tanko urged all supporters to stay engaged, participate actively, and remain steadfast in their commitment to the movement’s cause.
He emphasized that a new Nigeria is within reach, but only through collective action and perseverance.
Finally, Tanko encouraged all Obidients to stay informed, join local chapters, and contribute to the shared vision of a better Nigeria.
For further updates and participation, he urged supporters to reach out via Obidient.unification@gmail.com.
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