The race for the 2023 presidency has been gaining prominence in recent political discussions, though many analysts and political experts have argued that it is too early to draw attention to where the next president will come from.
The ruling party, the All Progressives Congress (APC), is likely to zone his presidential ticket to the southern region after the expiration of President Muhammadu Buhari’s tenure.
This has apparently sparked off interest from the southwest and southeast, with Ohanaeze Ndigbo, a socio-political group, leading the front in the demand for an Igbo man to take over the helms of affairs when Buhari leaves.
Although prominent individuals including APC national leader Bola Tinubu and Governor Kayode Fayemi of Ekiti state have been rumoured to be eyeing the top seat, there has been a profound argument that since Yoruba has produced a Nigerian president, Igbo should take over for the sake of justice and fairness.
As permutations continue to prelude the 2023 race, Zamfara Reporters highlights 5 people likely to succeed President Buhari should APC or Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) decide to zone its ticket to the southeast.
1. Orji Uzor Kalu
A former governor of Abia state and currently the Senate chief whip, Senator Kalu is one of the leading candidates from the southeast considered to be fit for the biggest office in the country.
In fact, youths from the southeast and other parts of the country have been drumming support for the APC chieftain who is also one of the leaders of the Igbo race.
2. Chris Ngige
A two-term current minister of Works and Employment, Ngige is one of the southeast leaders in the ruling party.
He has served as a former governor Anambra and was elected senator for Anambra Central constituency in 2011.
A senior cabinet member and ally of the president, Ngige may be tipped to take a shot at the respected seat in the country drawing from his vast experience
3. Governor Dave Umahi
The current governor of Ebonyi state just defected to the ruling party in what many people including Governor Nyesom Wike of Rivers state have attributed to the 2023 plan.
A chairman of the Southeast Governors’ Forum (SGF), Umahi has always been recognised as one of the people capable of succeeding President Buhari in 2023.
4. Rochas Okorocha
Former governor of Imo state, Rochas Okorocha, is one of those set to benefit should the southeast region of the country be eventually considered to take a shot at the presidency in 2023.
The former governor was on Monday, November 16, urged to vie for the 2023 presidential ticket by a group, Igbos for Rochas Movement 2023 Presidency (IRM).
During a visit to his home, IRM national coordinator Jeff Nwoha stated that the former governor’s resume, after careful deliberations with other leaders, fits the presidency.
The former governor is an ally of the president and he is considered to be in the race.
5. Peter Obi
Peter Obi, a former governor of Anambra state, is one of the top candidates considered for the presidency from the southeast.
An experienced businessman and economist, Obi is the PDP vice-presidential candidate during the last general election, running with former VP Atiku Abubakar.
Meanwhile, Zamfara Reporters, reported that as the conversation on the 2023 presidency continues to gain prominence amid sundry calls for the next president to be of Igbo extraction, two Anglican and Catholic bishops have pitched their tents with Ohanaeze Ndigbo.
This is as Anglican Archbishop on the Niger and Bishop of Awka Diocese, Rev Alexander Ibezim and Catholic Bishop of Awka Diocese, Paulinus Ezeokafor declared that an Igbo man should be allowed to rule the country.