An Igbo group has shortlisted the names of 18 politicians from the South-East region who are qualified to be the president of Nigeria in 2023.
The group, under the aegis of Umunna Lekki Association, comprises young Igbo entrepreneurs residing in the Lekki, Ikoyi, Banana Island, Victoria Garden City (VGC) and Victoria Island axis of Lagos State, said it was ready to support the emergence of an Igbo President in 2023.
In a statement on Tuesday signed by the President, Ikem Umeh-Ezeoke, the group said the eminent Igbo sons and daughters named in its list are capable of turning the fortunes of the country around.
The group also expressed its intention and readiness to donate funds in billions of naira to the two main political parties, the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), “if they nominate Nigerians of Igbo extraction to fly their flags in the 2023 presidential election.”
18 Potential Igbo Candidates For 2023 Presidency
The candidates were shortlisted from five states of the South-East geopolitical zone.
From Abia State, they listed Director-General of the World Trade Organisation (WTO), Prof. Ngozi Okonji Iweala, Senate Minority Leader, Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe and former Abia State governor, Orji Uzoh Kalu.
From Anambra State, they listed former governor of the state, Peter Obi, Charles Udeogaranya, Ben Obi and Henry Okolie-Aboh.
The candidates listed from Ebonyi State included the state governor Dave Umahi, Ogbonnaya Onuh and Anyim Pius Anyim.
In Enugu, they picked Geoffrey Onyema, Prof. Barth Nnaji, Nnia John Nwodo Jnr and Ike Ekweremadu.
For Imo State, they listed Emeka Ihedioha, Rochas Okorocha, Kema Chikwe and Humphrey Anumudu.
Meanwhile, Imo State Governor, Hope Uzodinma has revealed that the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) is not interested in an Igbo presidency.