A former Zamfara State Governor, Ahmed Sani Yerima, has said he would vie for the presidency in 2023 if the contest is open to all regions.
He, however, said he would opt out of the race if his party, All Progressives Congress (APC) zones the ticket to the South.
He said: “Yes, I want to confirm to you that by the special grace of God, if I am alive, I Senator Ahmed Sani, intend to vie for Presidential office.”
The ex senator said nothing in the 1999 constitution and that of the All Progressives Congress (APC) prevents him from vying for the highest office in country come 2023.
He said: “As far as I am concerned, the Nigerian Constitution and that of APC as of today, unless there is any amendment in the future, has declared that every Nigerian who is qualified based on the qualification that is enshrined in the constitution should aspire for any office in the land: Governor, State Assembly, National Assembly.
“Therefore, as far as I am concerned, my constitution both party and national, has not barred me from contesting for Presidency. So, no statement of any group can stop me.
“But you see, if tomorrow my party comes up and say we have zoned Presidency to the South, I, Yerima, will follow it. I will then know that it is a decision, legally and lawful that is binding on all members of the party.
“But so long as the constitution is still saying citizens of Nigeria and APC Constitution is saying citizens of Nigeria, I am a citizen of Nigeria, I am going to contest.”
