By PAMELA EBOH, Awka

The youth wing of the apex Igbo socio-cultural organization, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, has hailed some Igbo politicians for stepping out to declare interest to contest the 2023 Presidential election.

It has been reported that Governor Dave Umahi of Ebonyi State and Senator Orji Uzor Kalu have since made public, their interest in the country’s Number One seat. They are both of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Former Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator Anyim Pius Anyim of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), has also declared his interest.

A statement made available to journalists by the President-General of the Ohanaeze Ndigbo Youth Council, Mazi Okwu Nnabuike, lauded the move by South-East politicians.

He reminded them that declaration of interest is not enough, but following it up with consultations across the country.

Okwu enjoined them not to go to sleep, even as he called on the Enugu State Governor, Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, to boldly join the presidential race.

While describing Ugwuanyi as one of the best hands for the presidency of Igbo extract come 2023, he added, “Ugwuanyi’s peaceful disposition is the kind of thing Nigeria needs now; so, we are urging him to join the race now. He has the capacity to unite all the aggrieved sections of the country and restore normalcy.

“We are also asking others like Peter Obi, George Moghalu, Owelle Rochas Okorocha, Senator Chris Ngige, Geofrey Onyeama, among others to declare their interest.

“Ndigbo must show their willingness and readiness to present themselves for that office. This is not a time to go and sleep.

“For the umpteenth time, we are saying that it is the turn of Ndigbo to occupy the presidential seat in 2023 and for that reason, people like Bola Tinubu should jettison their ambition. He should throw his support behind an Igbo man if indeed he means well for Nigeria,” the statement read in part.

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