An Igbo group in the South East region by the name South East Democratic Civil Society Coalition (SEDSOC), has kicked against the alleged endorsement of former Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF) Anyim Pius Anyim, for the presidency in 2023.
Anyim was on Monday, endorsed by prominent Igbo leaders of thought and politicians including former Senate President, Adolphus Wabara, Senate Minority Leader, Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe; among other notable politicians.
However, the group, in a statement on Thursday, after its meeting in Enugu, described Anyim’s endorsement as “hasty, self-serving and does not have the mandate of the generality of Igbos,” and demanded the immediate withdrawal of the endorsement.
The statement which was issued by the National Convener of SEDSOC, Chief Willy Ezugwu, said Anyim was not the most credible candidate to fly the Igbo flag in 2023.
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“The South East has eminently qualified persons capable of transforming Nigeria if given the chance by the electorate to serve as President in 2023,” the communique reads.
“To this end, we view Anyim’s endorsement as too hasty and self-serving. Those clamouring for him to run for the presidency chose to jump the gun in what can only be interpreted as self-serving and an attempt to stampede the South East bloc into their own private agenda.
“How Abaribe, who is one of our own, joined the bandwagon of some selfish South East politicians to engage in the controversial outing, is shocking and disappointing
“Whatever happened between Anyim and the politicians is a nullity and does not reflect the mood of South East people.”
The coalition further stressed that some South East leaders were already in the process of consultations across party lines to shop for the best candidate who would not only represent the interest of Ndigbo, but also has capacity and broad-mindness to carry along all Nigerians, irrespective of religion, tribe or political leanings.
“Ndigbo are not ready to mess up the opportunity to present our best to Nigerians, as many prominent persons are being consulted before zeroing on one or two candidates among those interested in contesting the position from the zone.
“SEDSOC vehemently opposes Anyim’s hasty endorsement for president of the country in 2023,” it added.
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