It will be foolhardy to discountenance the influence of the entire South-Easterners ahead of the 2023 presidential election says PDP chieftain, Dr Emeka Kalu.

Kalu, who is the National Coordinator of PDP Coalition stated this following the backdrop of some PDP leaders agitating for the presidency to be zoned to the North in 2023.

Reacting to what has become a hot political debate, Kalu in a statement warned that PDP may misfire if they underrate the Igbos who stood by the party since 1999 and gave her close to 7million votes across the nation in 2019 Presidential election.

He said “The leadership of PDP should not underrate or neglect the South-East in the decision making of the party with regards to zoning of party’s presidential ticket.”

“The South- East has sacrificed tremendously for the wellbeing, survival, growth and development of the party. They shouldn’t be underrated in 2023. The aspect of zoning the presidential ticket should be thoroughly debated by all and unanimously agreed on to please all and sundry.”

“The South-East contributed to the formation of the PDP through Dr. Alex Ekwueme, Ezeogo Anaga Ezikpe and Orji Uzor Kalu. Prince Vincent Ogbulafor was National Secretary and Chairman when the party controlled 24 and 30 states respectively. Late Ojo Maduekwe was National Secretary when the party won in 28 states and so, it’ll be irresponsible to underrate the same people who led the party effectively.”