As the 2023 general elections draw closer, the Social Democratic Party SDP, has described as undemocratic calls by the Southern Nigeria and Delta Central senatorial district to zone the presidency and governorship positions to them respectively.
The Chairman, Delta State Chapter of SDP, Amb. Oke Idawene, in a press release, condemned in strong term the agitations by Delta central that it is their turn to produce the next governor of the state.
According to him, its the right of every Deltan to contest for the governorship seat come 2023 saying the conclusion by a part in the state that it’s their turn is laughable.
“We may say it’s a particular party arrangements but we say no irrespective of party lines we are all Deltans. What affects the tongue affects the teeth. It is no senatorial district right. But if the Urhobos want it as they say, they should work harder to convinience other senatorial districts why they should be supported now. Not sitting in their comfort zones and scream in the media it’s their turn.”
While saying the SDP position was a wake up call, Amb. Idawene said SDP believed in competence not zoning hence the party is open for all aspirants irrespective of senatorial districts.
“In the same vain, the Southern leaders should wake up and lobby the North why they should be supported for the presidency not making noise about it. Power is not given for free.” He insisted.
He added; “We must condemn all divisive tendencies in Nigeria because we are one indivisible. What happened in 1993 during the Abiola time when Nigerians voted irrespective of parties, tribal and religious affiliations can be repeated in 2023 with the right approach.”
Idawene who is the chairman of forum of states SDP chairmen Nigeria emeritus, maintained that nobody can divide Nigeria no matter how hard they try saying such a plot won’t work.
“SDP will not deviate from it’s vision of one indivisible Nigeria where justice, equity and fairness reigns supreme hence we will be guided by these democratic principles as we approach 2023 elections. Every Nigerian has the right to contest, bring out your best let us choose.” He stated.