Otunba Gbenga Daniel, a former Ogun State governor, has advised political leaders and traditional rulers in the South-West geopolitical zone of the country to streamline the number of presidential aspirants from the region and produce a consensus candidate ahead of 2023 general elections.
Daniel who spoke to journalists yesterday at the Abraham Tabernacle Baptist International Worship Centre, Sagamu, Ogun State, on the sidelines of the 17th annual thanksgiving and 10th remembrance service for his late father, Adebola Daniel, said
That such a decision has become imperative as the region may produce the 2023 president next year.
His words: “The South-West is being strongly considered to take over the mantle of leadership for the President.
“As usual you know how it goes, there are many of our people who are qualified, strong, willing and able. But if we really want to retain that opportunity, it is incumbent on all our leaders and elders to come together and streamline.
“If they come together, consider one or two people, the chances are that Nigerians would respond and respect that wish.
“That is why I am appealing to all our Obas and leaders not to rest on their oars. Power is never served a la carte. They, therefore, have duties and responsibilities to come together and say we can present a candidate.”
On how realistic his proposition is, the former Ogun State helmsman said: “The way it works, power belongs to God, but it is also not served a la carte. It is for people who aspire to get and there is nothing wrong in people aspiring.
“But there is everything wrong in everybody now struggling in such a way that at the end of the day nothing is achieved.”