As political permutations for 2023 general elections continue to gather momentum across the country and discussions on zoning of key political offices by political parties, stakeholders, support and interest groups takes the front burners and heating up the polity, the latest is coming from the Global Alliance of Progressive Professionals, code named GAP3, declaring support for the North Central geo-political zone to produce the next president of the country and the candidature of the Kogi State Governor Alhaji Yahaya Adoza Bello.
The group made the disclosure in Abuja in a statement issued by its National Publicity Secretary Hon. Suleiman Muhammed Siraj and made available to newsmen.
The group noted that their decision to back the North Central geo-political zone and a candidate from the zone for the 2023 general elections in the All Progressive Congress (APC) was anchored on glaring political injustice and marginalization based on facts and figures since the enthronement of democratic government in 1999 till date. The statement read in parts; “what we stand for is justice, equity and fairness in the distribution of leadership positions of our great country”.
“We state clearly base on political statistics that out of the six geo-political zones created by the 1999 constitution, only North Central and South East geo-political zones have not been given the opportunity to serve the country in the capacity of President and Vice President respectively.”
“As a group, what we are saying is that he who preaches equity must come with clean hands. To keep Nigeria one as indivisible country, it is critical therefore to accord all the political segment of the country a sense of belonging in leadership and trust. That is the only way to keep Nigeria one. That is the wisdom in the 1999 constitution which fragmented the country into the six geo-political zones for effective and efficient political administration”.
“It is also on record that since the inception of democratic rule in Nigeria 1999 till date, the North West, Noth East, South West and South-South geo-political zones have had their turns as President and Vice President respectively. It is obvious therefore that in true spirit of justice, equity and fairness as envisaged by the 1999 constitution, the people of North Central and South East geo-political zones of the country should be allowed to produce the next President and Vice President respectively”.
“In every sense of judgment,there is no way you engage in any sincere political arrangements without basketing and political basketing involves zoning. It is high time for our political actors to face the realities and do the neadful in the spirit of true federalism and patriotism. No section of the country should be treated as second hand citizen. We must see ourselves as equal partners in leadership”.
“It is on the above premise as Progressive Professionals that we implore the leadership and stakeholders of the All Progressive Congress (APC) across the country to back the marginalized zones. As leaders, we must strive to live above board, drive the nation’s political wheels above primordial sentiments and ethnic chauvinism and uphold the tenet, beauty and opportunities provided by the constitution of our land without prejudice”.
On the presidential ambition of the Kogi State Governor Alhaji Yahaya Adoza Bello, the group assured the overwhelming support of its members across the country because he comes from the marginalized zones and that he is eminently qualify for the top job.
“We confirm to you that the Global Alliance Of Progressive Professionals code named GAP3 is a political project of Grassroot Aids Initiative, a non-governmental organization that is poised on encouraging young and talented Nigerians to take leadership position. Our structures cut across the thirty six states of the federation including the FCT”.
“Our core mandate as a group is to contribute to the advancement of global community through the building of Nigerian society where citizens are provided the enabling environment and equal opportunities to develop their potentials economically and politically”.
