The Igbo Renaissance Circle (IRC) says the need for a president of Igbo extraction in 2023 is why South-East governors still support President Muhammadu Buhari’s re-election.

Chief Okoroafor Ezechi, the Chairman of the Strategic Committee of IRC, a pan-Igbo political think-tank group, disclosed this to newsmen in Enugu on Wednesday.

Ezechi noted that the 2023 presidency remained the driving force behind the reason governors of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the zone are supporting President Buhari’s second term in office.

He said: ‘‘We are tired of pledges, especially when the AtikuPlan (Atiku’s manifesto) is a six-year plan.

‘‘We sincerely hold the view that 2023 is the turn of Ndigbo.

‘‘For us Buhari’s four years post-2019 presidential election is cast in constitutional stone and our vote for him will simulate support from the 10-12 million Vote-Bank of President Buhari.’’

Ezechi noted that going by critical thinking and observation so far, Buhari would stand on his words in allowing free and fair elections at all levels.

‘‘He is a man of impeccable integrity and forthrightness.

‘‘One, Buhari is a man of his words.

‘‘Two, the Smart Card Reader does not condone such tricks of writing results in hotel room.

‘‘Three, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole had wittingly forced our unwillingness to factionalised All Progressives Congress (APC) in the zone,’’ Ezechi said.

According to him, 2023 is gaining extensive ground among Ndigbo on bi-partisan and extra-cathedral axis.

‘‘The South-East governors, in support of President Buhari’s re-election, are fighting for our children’s children, not personal interest.

‘‘Gov. Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi and Gov. Dave Umahi can win on their own; and Gov. Willy Obiano is not running.

‘‘But no concrete deal was reached as Atiku did not make any commitment to exit in 2023,’’ Ezechi said. (NAN)