The ruling All Progressives Congress might be looking at the North Central geo-political zone ahead of the 2023 presidential election, our medium can authoritatively report.
Despite the presidential election being some 38 months away, political fireworks are beginning to spark the political camp of the ruling party.
The South West Zone has been laying a strong claim to the seat ahead of 2023, with the likes of Sen. Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, Ekiti Governor, Dr. John Kayode Fayemi, all touted as major contenders.
The recent defection of the Ebonyi State Governor to the All Progressives Congress was seen by many as a reaction to some assurances from some quarters to favor the zone ahead of 2023.
However, a strong insider who understands happenings at the National Secretariat of the party and a former Senator who craved anonymity, told our correspondent that zoning the ticket to the South East is “near impossible”.
“It is good that they are coming into our party now and it will give them a big future chance. I will advice them to field a very popular person as Vice President. But I know that our party cannot joke with the momentum of the North Central at the moment.
“The North Central has not only been very faithful to the party, but our party has used certain figures to win election even in the South West. Who were the people that delivered the Ekiti and Ondo elections? These questions are beginning to surface on the walls of our national Secretariat.
“It is becoming clearer now that APC will win all the geopolitical zones in 2023. But we must be careful in our choice. We need a serial winner to be sure of victory”.
Last week, the Speaker of the Kogi State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Prince Matthew Kolawole also told a gathering of party faithful in Lokoja that the North Central will go all out to get the ticket of the APC.
He said: “Our party is a party of justice and our President is known for his fairness. The North Central deserves the next Presidency and we will speak out and do everything within the ambit of the law to win the ticket”, he assured.
A serving Commissioner in a South West State who doesn’t want his name mentioned also told our correspondent that the Kogi State Governor will be a hard nut to crack for any contender.
He said the Governor is associated with electoral victory and fits the bill of the youth who wants to inject dynamism into political leadership.
