Comrade Yakubu Arigu Muhammad, the National Coordinator of Arewa Youths for Orji Uzor Kalu, AYOUK, has called on Dr. Orji Uzor Kalu, the Chief Whip of the Senate, to declare his interest in the 2023 presidential election.

Muhammad made the call following series of endorsements by groups across the six geopolitical zones urging the former Abia Governor to join the presidential race.

In an interview wiith journalists in Abuja following the endorsement by a group of Nigerians in diaspora urging the Chief Whip of the Senate to contest the 2023 presidential election, Muhammad said Kalu is the appropriate person to succeed President Muhammadu Buhari, judging by his national appeal and managerial skill.

He said a campaign team will be launched in Kaduna by December to kick-start the activities of his participation as a candidate in the 2023 election.

“What we need is a result-oriented leader with a proven track record that can sustain and consolidate the gains recorded by President Muhammadu Buhari.

“If we say equity, then power should go to Southeast. It is not going to be easy, it is not going to be a dash. But then, Kalu is a true nationalist; a pan Nigerian who is loved by all.

“Kalu is someone who formed a new party in 2007 and won Abia and Imo. He was endorsed by Ohanaeze Ndigbo as far back as 2007. Definitely, he is loved by his people in the Southeast and we love him over here.

“All that I am doing is for the interest of Nigeria. Personally, I’ve never met Senator Kalu, but I’ve read and studied him and his antecedents. I’m convinced he is the best presidential material from the Southeast.

“Nobody should underrate the Igbos in 2023. Don’t forget no one gave the 25-year old newly elected National Youth Leader of PDP any chance. The youths are now wiser and we shall do our best to rescue Nigeria by having the right kind of person. We are ready to support Kalu who is an Igbo man to succeed President Muhammadu Buhari.”

Recall that Progressive Nigerians Initiative (PNI), a group of Nigerians based in South Korea, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, Hong Kong, India, China , and United Kingdom had endorsed the former governor of Abia State and Chief Whip of the Senate, Senator Orji Uzor Kalu for President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

The group in a statement signed by its Director General, Hon. Yuccee Uwah, emphasised that Kalu represents the most potent force for the advancement of Nigeria.

The group said, “In 2023, there’s no doubt that Nigeria needs a President who will consolidate on the infrastructural gains of the current Buhari administration but most importantly better manage the country’s diversity, rejig the economy and deal conclusively with insecurity.

“The next President of Nigeria should wield the capacity and unfettered commitment to heal the bruised and battered national umbilicus.

“Kalu understands Nigeria and knows what will be required to address the complex issues in the 21st century including addressing the challenges facing Nigerians in the Diaspora.

“Coming from different backgrounds, ethnicity, language and training, the group explained that its decision is built on the yearning for Nigeria to fulfil her vast potentials and take her place among the advanced democracies and economies – a prospect which has been denied her for nearly 60 years by poor leadership

“Senator Orji Uzor Kalu is an opportunity for Nigerians, as a people, to choose to get it right. Nigeria’s dismal story will change if we accept the obvious: that failure does not convert to success the more we repeat the errors leading to it”.

The group also highlighted the candidate’s thorough and clear thinking about Nigeria and his practical solutions which are available in his books, writings and interviews over the years.

“Senator Kalu is a result orientated leader, patriot, thinker, businessman, investor, whose deepest desire is to bring Nigeria into line with modern development thinking and growth. At home in Nigeria, North, South, East, West, and abroad, Kalu demonstrates his understanding of the challenge of advancing Nigeria through fearless economic thinking, robust political re-engineering, and strong administrative structures. We wholeheartedly endorse him for the presidency of Nigeria in 2023,” the group said.

The group also enjoined Nigerians to support a trained and experienced leader with a global view, one who will seek the most qualified and most prepared Nigerians to serve the country, and with the commitment to take the nation forward.