 Welcome back to the breakfast and plus TV Africa now the North South divide and the people's Democratic Party PDP over zoning of the 2023 presidential ticket is widening presidential aspirant a minute Ambrose up with her state governor said that Instead of talking about zoning the party should give the ticket to the candidate that can win the election But Southwest leaders of the main opposition of the meeting hosted in Ibadan by the old state governor She marketing they insisted that the South should produce the presidential ticket a Leading light of the PDP in the zone attended the meeting that their position is in sync with that of South South Governors and leaders which expressed on Monday at their meeting in Uyodiakwa from state capital We are now being joined by Dero de Ami. He is the deputy public secretary of the people's Democratic Party The PDP good morning to you mr. Demi. Thanks for joining us on the breakfast this morning Thank you, and I would like to correct the impression that I am the president deputy national public secretary I was that means I a former deputy national public secretary So you're not the president the president deputy national public secretary former former Yes, all right. Thank you for that correction All right, let's talk about you know, what's happening in the PDP right now. There seem to be an ongoing Battle of the soul as it were for the people's Democratic Party 2023 is just around the corner and right now The party is seemingly at a crossroads when it comes to who should be Burying the flag of the party, you know for the presidential ticket. Should it be there not so should it be the South? So would you really say that? It's one issue that might you know cause a whole lot of this harmony if it is not really Put you know to order It is not going to be a visual really Why not the political season? This is the time for people to aspire This is the time for competition And it is the time for people to talk about doing it where the presentation come from. So it's a process And we are going through the process gradually. So it's not a crisis It's not easy. It's a process that we end up or is all Somewhere very very soon when you say it is a process that will be Resolved very soon. There's a whole lot of Politicians going around a lot of our people declaring their intention a tambour has Declared and some people from the South South, you know have also declared But don't you really think it's actually like I'm walking in cross-purposes really Politics is a game and it involves a lot of strategy If you see you be attending the declaration of article and will be is also a candidate An aspirant, you should know that it's a game So when politicians are playing their game Journalist should just continue to watch and just like I said by May 28th when PDP we have its primary election It's good to wait somewhere Okay, but miss out there me let's also look at the issue that's plaguing the country right now And it's the fact that you have a lot of agitation across and This agitation is as a result of the fact that a lot of persons feel marginalized and if there's marginalization What we think that the 2023 elections, you know would correct all of the ills of the current I mean the current reality of our country Security concerns issue of marginalization the reason that you have different persons saying we want to go out different ways So don't you think that it would be fair for for the sake of equity fairness? Justice that the PDP should zone the presidency, you know to different zone for instance Do not central the not east and The south is since 1999 people from The not central have not been elected as president and you're also the same for the not Is I mean the south is don't you think that it would be fair at this point in time if the PDP will want to you know, take over Wouldn't it be fair for you know at the party level for persons in this region? You know to come out with candidates that could be allowed for consensus The president comes from it is about the position we operate it is about Tragmentation here and there and it is about the impalances in the administration and If we put all this together, you will know that if the presidency coming from anywhere There's no signifying failure What it shows is that we need to live to redefine ourselves in Nigeria and a lot of policies I've been said that PDP is a political person that believes in so and that is why about that one people Each one from each state each state have been selected to go and look at the formula That we are sure that PDP wins election in 2023 It is the this committee. I think they were integrated yesterday They will come back to the party to tell us Where we should zone our presidency to and where we know we can win election Not only that it involved the personality too because if we are putting anybody from any zone That is not known. That is not popular. That does not have even if you check his background If you conduct a kind of background check on it, Nigerians will reject him at the pool PDP will not feature such a person So we are at the process of presenting somebody that we know that in 2023 We just want to win that election. So some is part of PDP and the formula for that The last 16 years that PDP spent in office Was majorly spent by people from the south that is a passenger Jonathan We are convenient. We are it is easier for us to say yes You can pick from the top and at the same time we can say that if a PC because this thing involves a lot of strategy If a busy speaking from the south which obviously they have to do what we are now saying is the best If for us in PDP is to pick a capable person from the south to to match a PC so that at the end of the day We know that 80 years and it will be very wrong for PDP to go again to the north. So we have the two issues But the special grace of God it will be resolved by this committee that has been a power to look at situation so that PDP can win the election. All right, Odemi about presidential aspirants in the Sokoto state governor Amino Tambua seems to believe that the issue should not really be about zoning You know that it should be about who can bring a victory to the party I just want you to analyze that statement and that if that's the really the way forward, you know for the people's democratic party No, but I'm just before I mean just before you react to that. I mean, let's be very fair let's talk about I mentioned the issue of fairness and equity and It's a good thing that you have mentioned the Constitution what it feels like when it comes to a certain region You know the issue of the Constitution becomes very big You have mentioned, you know the South but not necessarily the Southeast and a lot of people are thinking that if the PDP would make any Progress in 2023 that should think about zoning to the South is for the issue of I mean Fairness and equity. Yes, we understand that zoning has not been adopted into the Constitution Some people have described this as a gentleman agreement. And so how how would you really really describe this? juxtaposing that with you know the consent that he's raised You know the discussion We are we talking about South? We have no mention of the specific about Southwest Southeast or South-South. We have mentioned the South East No, you are mentioning the Southeast what I'm saying is Both the Southwest the South East and the South South what they are still saying right now is that give us the presidency in the South once it gets to the South we sort ourselves out within Obviously, Southwest is out of it is between South South and South East So when we get to the bridge, we know how to cross it So we are not foreclosing any region at East Southeast or South South All we are saying is give it to us in the South first then we know how to sort it then Reactive to your question. I couldn't remember the question again from Justin Yeah, I was actually asking you to analyze and what I'm president presidential last room and a minute Okay. Okay. Yeah. Yeah, that was an accurate is company for itself And he says something that we live on in that we make it to a mic as the presidential candidate of PDP So whatever I say is just to people inside and all what we are saying is yes We are saying that we should win the election before we start talking about you know disputing the position What where is the logic? The only way to win the to win the election is first Agreed that we are zoning into social media and we're bringing out a candidate What we have not gotten to that state if you are not saying yes I am the only one that can win the election for PDP. I think that is not too fair for other as well as other region So what's the what's the fate of some people who have like mercy has mentioned some people who have felt marginalized over time Who have not actually, you know, seen that glimpse of hope of from getting, you know, the presidential ticket like maybe the north central people from Lights of Kogi state from being restained and you know the lights who feel that them over time They are part of the minority would they actually be in full support of the PDP when eventually they Make, you know, the issue of I'm zoning, you know open to members of the party. I Don't want to pre-empt the 31 leaders committee set up by BPP, you know to look into all these issues I'm sure they are experienced politicians. They are technocrats and they are people who know the formula for us to win election in 2023 of course They will come up with their own recommendation and the party has a system of looking at whatever is being is brought before it It will be subjected to national executive council decision, which was going to be the final You know going to pronounce a final statement or the committee So let's wait until they come up with their own Suggestions and all what you are saying right now that some regions are marginalized, but I think we'll be taking into consideration Okay, but but let's you know begin to look at this now some people are saying then there might just be a problem if you have the APC You know zoning it, you know to the Southwest It might just really be a problem for the PDP come 2023 How can it be a problem? As a matter of fact we expect APC to bring the candidate from the Southwest So it's not new to us and don't forget just like I said we are also Strategizing towards winning this election. Let them come up with the whole candidate from the from the Southwest Then you will see PDP in action So we are not afraid that is not So but So if the APC zones to the Southwest and the PDP Because you know the talk right now and it's still about the North the not central and what have you We really don't seem as much as you have stated that you there might just be a zoning to the South not necessarily Not knowing what is going to go to the Southeast or is going to go to the Southwest But the South really so if it gets to you know, the APC for the Southwest and the PDP states with the not I mean, how does that really pan out for Nigerians? Nigeria's love to decide which candidate they want that's the beauty of democracy if PDP is presenting a candidate from the North and the APC decides to bring them from the Southwest Of course they have justification to bring from the Southwest Because there's no way they can pick a candidate from the North again with where he's spending almost 80 years in office So definitely they have to look towards the South and even our own if on our own we feel that the best way to win this election Or Nigeria does not because we don't have to follow the APC team or their own agenda We don't have to look at their side. We are listening to Nigerians and we are watching what Nigeria wants So that is the reason why we are saying that as far as PDP is concerned We are free to choose from either the North or from the South But we will do our own calculation fairly well just because we want to win the election in 2023 All right, since all indications are hovering towards the people's democratic party You know bringing its candidate from the South South maybe South East or South South South generally maybe the South East or the South South The question right now would be even there would be you know a formidable Person or candidate that can actually you know match the APC You know, you know side-by-side tophor to at the end of the day because most people feel that at the end of the day it is A battle between the people's democratic party and that of the all-progressive Congress APC In PDP We are blessed with eminent personalities as serious politicians that can govern this country very well We are not short of men Capable to rule this country and that is why if you look at the APC today most of the leaders there Left PDP to go to APC. So what we are saying is as far as we are concerned most of their leaders of people they rely on as Capable of ruling this country or being their chairman or party leader Migrated for PDP to APC. So we are not short of Good men in PDP. So let APC present anybody from the South West We will present somebody that personally will have one election At least 50% by his personality and calibre PDP will only need to campaign and work for the rest Okay, there is also another trend of people peaking tickets or buying tickets For candidates and most times that they haven't Come all out by themselves to say that they are the ones contesting but other people have actually brought the forms for them What does this really tell is it some sort of a gimmick or some sort of a cover up? What does this really mean? It is one of the political gimmicks It is one of the way to tell whoever That you know they are being sponsored or the people want that even if they are the one Giving out the money to buy the forms. So it is another way politicians you do True to the masses just to give the impression that they are It is the people that want them to come as contest But actually who we come out to contest without having that personal interest Nobody you have the interest force and what you do is now to strategize It's not to strategize and ensure that at least You give the impression that you are wanted by the people So but I mean just recently we have seen that More persons are declaring and the likes of Peter will be former governor of an amber estate has joined a presidential race on the People's Democratic Party I like to show your thoughts on that also moving forward some people are thinking that it would be time that You have of course you look at him from coming from the southeast and Some people will think that it will be time that you know the party should throw weight around any candidate against the south is but of course It's the party. They have their structure. They have you know, whatever the decisions that would always be their own decision But do you think he stands the chance against the likes of a tickle tumble wall and others? Peter will be like other Is very formidable is likeable and is somebody that has ideas Is coming into the race is a very good development and you know many of us have applauded it The more the merrier let all of them come out so that we have the opportunity to choose it Which among them is the best? You know to be given the flag in the flag Once we do that, it is part of our thoughts that in PDP in 2023 We want to do to win this election and wherever we are putting forward as our flag bearer must be accepted Must be competent Must be willing to serve the country of which filter will be represented just like any other Any other hospital so the more the merrier don't be surprised many people we see obtained form But at the end of the day the party we decide the delegates with the side But let me put it directly to you now Let's just put it directly the way it is. He's from the you know the South East and that's it And there's been a lot of clamor that you know There should be some level of consensus even though you say that the PDP is known for zoning Zoning could also be zoned and everyone could agree, you know to zone it to the South is and you have mentioned that he's not a bad Candidate what serve out. Don't you think that the PDP should be tilting towards having all of these weights thrown around? This particular candidate. I'm just saying I'm just asking When you talk of PDP PDP is not an individual, you know that can say okay All of you go there. No, and that is why PDP our motor is power belongs to the people at this special stage Power belongs to the delegates. It is the delegates that we choose who is going to be the flag bearer of the party And what I'm saying in essence is The delegates themselves are not dummies. They know what is good for Nigeria They know what is good for the party They know who the party can be sent and get enough votes from all sections of the country So Peter will be one of the people to be considered along that line not necessarily because he is from the South East Of course, he's not going to be the only one that is coming out from the South East Well, just like I said, it's one of one of the best You know the PDP can be sent just like many other aspirants I still am wondering the many other aspirants because you have said Sosinkly that the people's Democratic Party has lots of formidable, you know aspirants or candidates who can fly You know the flag of the party, you know when you finally, you know decide come may this year You know but from what we have seen so far and those who have indicated interest so far We have likes of a men who tumble wall and the former The vice-president to Chiquabubaka, but if the people's Democratic Party is going to tour the way down to the South So far what we have seen or what we know are Peter will be onion pyres And of course the river state and governor. So what more do we hope to see playing out over time? You will see a lot of people coming out to aspire It is an interesting game And as it is now for the mayor father They are even obtaining form is giving hope today to the delegates that come May 28th We will have the opportunity to choose among too many aspirants So it's a good development and they don't be surprised even in the South West Some people are still going to you know, collect this for the nomination from and simply because it is the game Some people who want to be part of the meeting pre meeting of Aspirants to select the best It is still a process. It is a system So when you see people obtaining form it does not mean I don't mind the case that they actually Want to go into the context Obtaining a form may be an opportunity for you to meet to sit down among aspirants Pre-discussion or even trying to select a consensus candidate So people who want to be part of that process and as a result of things for it is when we get to this You know to the field of May 28th That we know the number of aspirants that has come out and the delegates will now decide which of these aspirants are better Or is the best to fly the flag of the past Well, we totally understand all of the things that you're saying what's saying that it's a good thing that the PDP has said that Zoning is on the table. There's a zoning committee. And you know, just like at Nigerians are asking Would he not be a thing that the PDP should consider? I should it be you know, left to negotiation We understand that the PDP is a party. It has structures and of course It's an independent body and so they're allowed to express their will and consent But some people are thinking that this should be top priority zoning should not be an issue of Negotiation and to which particular region should not be you know a thing where there should be some kind of delay It would be as a lot of persons have actually said, I mean, we're looking at political Pondits now saying that it would really be in the favor of the PDP if the zoning to the south is But you have constantly mentioned that but just as we begin to cause this conversation down What should we expect moving forward now? Is there a possibility that you know the issue of zoning that the committee would actually sit on it and it would favor You know the South East region to be very particular not necessarily just the sound But do you think it would favor the South East? Just like I said If it's an hypothetical question Let us leave the old thing for this committee to come up with something And I want to tell you something again Even if it is soon to the South East that does not mean that the about 30 40 Experts have seen how come out zoning to a local government about 10 people we see come out So that is the nature of aspiration and that is the way of politicians If you zoning to any region or to a local government people will see come out to contest it And I call it a decision of the party a candidate can either a match through concessions or True election. Even if it is by concessions, we see go to that field to elect or Make sure that we vote for that person. That's what the constitution All right, Mr. Dero or Demi in all of this right now What's the position of the people's Democratic Party? You know from all that we have seen these are people that have been They're all all through the time all over the years, you know, some of them who have gone to the ABC and are now back to the PDP So what's the party doing as regards, you know, maybe injecting or maybe pushing the The the the interest of the younger people a new blood forward, you know ahead of 2023 I appreciate that question and that is a valuable PDP address in its sales of funds You will be with me that the party came up with it You know with a kind of a formula that people or young people on that 225 and 30 should pay 50% Yes 50% of the nomination fee that's to have correct the younger element, you know It's a political position. Not only that women are even free They are not even supposed to pay any money for nomination or you know for the fall So the for the women it is free for the young element in the party. It is 50% That's to tell you that we have the policy in PDP that encourages the youth and the women to participate I'm talking about older people or men who have crossed from one political party to the other It is going to be part of the concentration of the day tickets Well, somebody like me, we don't want somebody that will leave PDP today and go to APC tomorrow And we are happy that the law is taking for taking care of that with what is going on, you know, you know, you know With one of our governments who left our party to join APC But the court is now saying no and I think other people will learn from that and the new electoral law has said something about that And that's taking care of that aspect. So maybe there will be more to come for respect for political parties in the you know, as we move forward So is it just about reducing the cost of getting these nomination forms at the end of the day? Even if they do get the nomination form, would they be given, you know, the opportunity would they be given all the support they need, you know To actually, you know fly and the parties fly would they actually be for instance Would the PDP ordinarily give a 35-year-old who has not been in the scheme of a first for a while, you know The opportunity to run, you know, to fly, you know, it's a flag and then again So what else would it be doing to also make sure that they compete, you know, favorably or maybe even better than the APC? That is the unique aspect of PDP. That is what we promote. I can tell you, in my own local government, we have a young guy of 27-year-old who is in the House of Assembly So it depends on even the individuals or the younger elements that is coming out for an election They do the campaign, people listen to them, they look at their capability and, you know, the way they present themselves So now the winning formula, PDP as a political party does not have that power to say because you are under age or because you are between 25 and 30 It is automatic. No. People or people at the grassroots or the delegate, we still look at you and assess you as one of the bright elements, you know, that can be not your PDP form, they put you in office All right, Ms. Adeyemi, let's quickly talk about the fact that you have members of the PDP divided We have some governors who are not very pleased with the issue of zoning and members of the National Assembly, I mean, talking about the zoning Now, is this really good at a time where this is an opposition party as we all know? Is this a good thing as you age closer to 2023? That's the beauty of democracy and we don't need zero How democratic would this be for the PDP? I mean, everyone is expecting that it's just natural expectation of an opposition party, you know, to be on top of their game And if you begin to have a division in the party, there's no way it's not going to trickle down ahead of the elections come 2023 I understand that and I appreciate the question. What I'm saying in essence is there is time for everything, there is time to disagree and there is time to agree If failure is tearing us in the face like this, politicians will come together to say yes, if this is what we're going to succeed, let us all come together So it's not ma'am, if they disagree now, but before the election, we'll come back to agree because we want to win together But because if you look at the time, it doesn't look like the time is very near right now The important thing is that 24 hours is a long time, anything can happen We can dissolve among ourselves under 10 minutes, it's just calling a meeting of everybody and presenting the situation If you don't do this, you are going to fail, if you do this, you are going to win So everybody, all the brains will be recessed and we will come together You have constantly talked about the plans of the People's Democratic Party to take over power from the APC in 2023 Has that really going at the party level across the 36 states of the federation? We are very optimistic Well, optimism has never really solved any problem We have strategised, we have strategised and I don't have to disclose that now For the opponents, I say All right, Romosa, a very big thank you to you We have been speaking about the issue of zoning and the People's Democratic Party All of the issues who will flag or fly the party's flag when they decide eventually come May 28 And we were joined by the former national deputy publicist secretary of the People's Democratic Party, Dior or DME Many thanks for your time, we do appreciate it Thank you very much for your opportunity All right If there's still the breakfast on Plus TV Africa, we'll take a breather right now We'll come back and we'll be talking about a World Cup qualifier in Nigeria And it's long arch-rival as it were, Ghana in a moment Stay with us