A former governor of Imo State, Senator Rochas Okorocha, says if the southern region is not allowed to produce president in 2023, the All Progressives Congress becomes a northern political party.
He also challenged the South-East to present a good reason the nation should have an Igbo man as the next president.
He spoke in Abuja Monday at an event tagged “Conversation with Owelle Rochas Okorocha at 59 and Award of Icon of Service and Philanthropy’, organised by the Nigerian Union of Journalists, FCT chapter.
“I support the southern governors on the issue of zoning the presidency and the next region is the South. We started with South-West when President Olusegun Obasanjo (became the president). Then we went back to the North when we had Yar’Adua. South again with Goodluck Jonathan, and now the North is having it with the incumbent president.
“So, why would it be changed when it’s the turn of the south again? It’s a fair thing to do. If this is not done, then APC becomes a northern party,” he said.
Okorocha also called for inclusion of women in elective offices as it is critical in developing the country.
Speaking further, he explained how he related with the Indigenous People of Biafra during his administration.
“When IPOB started, they came to Imo State when I was the governor, but I listened to them and understood their grievances. They asked me to join them, and I told them if they can convince me to have another (Biafra country) passport, I’d join.
“I could have asked my men to shoot them as they were killed in Okigwe and other states, but no. I had to listen to know what they were going through. That’s how the Nigerian government should treat the youths, sympathise with them. Treat them well,” Okorocha said.
