2023: There’s no zoning in APC constitution, says Shekarau

Ibrahim Shekarau, senator representing Kano central, says there is no zoning in the constitution of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Ahead of the 2023 presidential election, some chieftains of the ruling party have said there is an agreement for power shift from the north to south.

But speaking during an interactive session with journalists in Kano on Sunday, Shekarau said zoning of the presidential slot is that of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), not APC.

“I want to tell you that there is no place in the APC constitution that the issue of zoning is mentioned. I think it is only considered by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP),” he said.

He said despite the absence of a written agreement on zoning, some persons are still calmouring for it.

Shekarau said while retaining power in a particular region does not necessarily make it superior or better off, common sense ought to prevail while determining the party’s presidential candidate for 2023.

Although Shekarau was not particular on the region which should be allowed to field a presidential candidate, he said the position should be appropriated based on justice and fairness.

“For me, I believe in the principle of balance equation and common sense. Although there is no place in our party where zoning is allowed unlike in the PDP where the zoning system is constitutional, ideally common sense should have guided APC in it’s selection,” he said.

“And those who want to kill themselves that one particular region should continue to maintain power should know that that will not make them better than other regions. For instance, in the last eight years the north has been in power, are we better than other parts of the country? The answer is no.”

Shekarau also spoke about his relationship with Abdullahi Ganduje, governor of Kano, and Rabiu Kwakwanso, his predecessor.

“We have been together with Ganduje for so many years when I was a permanent secretary, cabinet office, then he was a commissioner. So, we interacted a lot,” he said.

“I want to assure you that our relationship has been cordial up to now. There is no problem between us.

“So also with Kwankwaso, we have a good relationship. Our political differences will not affect our relationship. I never decamped from one party to another because of him.

“When I was in APC, Kwankwaso joined the party, and I left. Not because of him, but the leadership of the party. The same thing when I was in PDP, and left not because he joined the party.”