By Haruna Aliyu, BIRNIN KEBBI

An All Progressives Congress, APC, chieftain, Adullahi Muhammad Lamba, has endorsed zoning in Kebbi State and the country at large come 2023.

Lamba, a one-time commissioner during Senator Muhammadu Alieru administration, stated that zoning had been the practice since 1999, when democratic rule returned with Gwandu Emirate taking two governorship slots already in Senator Alieru and Saidu Nasamu Dakin Gari.

To concretise his claim, the former chairman said that neighbouring Sokoto and Niger states are also zoning conscious, as the former governor of Sokoto, Bafara, is from Sokoto North.

“He was succeeded by Senator Aliyu Wammako from Sokoto Central, while the sitting governor Aminu Waziri Tambuwal is from Sokoto South.

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“I feel if our neighbours are practicing zoning why can’t Kebbi do same? How can they be practicing inequity in the land of equity?

“All we are asking is fairness and equitable representation. We also urged Bagudu to tell us if he has a neutral candidate who should come from another zone. We are tired of the dominance.

On zoning at the national level, Lamba explained that Obasanjo ruled for eight years and handed over to late Umaru Yar, before Goodluck Jonathan took over.

“The pendulum swung to North, as Buhari now occupies the seat as President. I respect zoning here in Kebbi and the country at large.

“My stand is clear. Every region of the country should be given opportunity to serve his country since it has been dissected to six geo-political zones,” he said.

On party issues, Lamba said APC congress appeal committee lied when it said it had not received any complaint.

He said he personally submitted the Yauri zone appeal to Dr Ahmad that was sent from the party to receive petitions from the aggrieved members of the party.

“It’s ridiculous to say no complaint was filed in Kebbi,” he added.

Lamba, who expects Zuru to relinquish the senatorial district to Yauri after having dominated it for six years, said they have a gentleman agreement, which may see him as contestant in 2023.

Vanguard News Nigeria