A pan-ethnic group, Ndigbo United Forum Worldwide, has called on the leadership of the ruling All Progressive Congress (APC) and the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to field presidential candidates of Igbo extraction during the 2023 presidential election.

This, they said, will enable Ndigbo have their turn of the nation’s seat of power as other zones have.

The group stressed that the demand was in accordance with natural justice, equity and good conscience that the Igbo nation in Nigeria should have their fair share of the presidency, noting that any form of foul play in 2023, may lead to catastrophic consequences across the country.

In a statement signed by its acting President-General, Chief Godson Chukwuma Ezenagu, the group stressed that the North has eleven years to their kitty with President Buhari’s regime and the South-West has had eight years of leadership.

It added that while the South-South has had its fair share of governance with former President Goodluck Jonathan, the Igbos are yet to benefit.

The group regretted that 2019 was full of challenges for Ndigbo as a nation state even as it added that security of lives and properties became a major challenge in Nigeria.

The statement read in part: “We are merchants by nature and that takes us to many places home and abroad. You are advised to be at alert and place security as an important enabler in your business environment.

“2019 was an election year in Nigeria. Even after the elections, the political atmosphere has been on the edge.

“The issue of the 2023 presidential election has taken a center stage. The Igbo nation lost out completely at the centre as we are not adequately represented as one of the third major components of the Nigerian project.

“The issue of national character has been jettisoned. This situation must change forthwith.

“All these factors and more, above, combined to make 2019 a tough year business wise for Ndi-Igbo. It is hoped that 2020 will oblige us with a better business climate.

“We are proud of our sons and daughters who have distinguished themselves in their various callings; the Governors, the Ministers, the Senators and members of the House of Representatives, captains of industries and others.”

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