The position of the group was made known by the National Publicity Secretary, Chief Alex Ogbonnia in an interview with newsmen, giving reasons why they will not support their ambitions.
Ogbonnia urged both Osinbajo and Tinubu to drop their 2023 ambition and back a competent aspirant from the South-East to emerge the next President of the country.
“In the past, Tinubu would talk about equity, justice and fairness but in recent times, Tinubu has chosen to become an entirely different person. I advised him that he should not contest. He should rather stand as an elder statesman in Nigeria. Above all, there is a zoning and rotation principle in Nigeria and it is the turn of the South-East.
“Then on the side of Osinbajo, he has a very tall credential, having occupied the position of the Vice-President, he is supposed to be an elder statesman. His profile is at variance with the decision he has taken to contest for the presidential slot because he knows that it is not the turn of the South-West. He has shown he has the interest of himself more than the interest of the nation.”
“People like Obasanjo, Bode George and Adebanjo have been clear about it. These are exemplary men and we are asking for more men to support a South-East Presidency,” he added.
“What Ohanaeze is saying is that if this Presidency does not come to the South-East, definitely, there would be more restiveness and separatist agitations in the South-East; it would increase insecurity and it is not in the interest of anybody who loves the interest of this country.
“It is the stand of Ohanaeze that Osinbajo and Tinubu should add voice to the Presidency coming to the South-East and not begin to pursue personal interest,” he added.
At the moment, Peoples Democratic Party presidential aspirants from the South-East include ex-Anambra governor, Peter Obi; former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator Anyim Pius Anyim; former President of Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria, Sam Ohuabunwa; and Chairman, Igbo World Assembly, Nwachukwu Anakwenze.
South-East politicians on APC platform are, Governor of Ebonyi State, Dave Umahi; ex-Governor of Imo State, Rochas Okorocha; as well as former Governor of Abia State and Majority Whip of the Senate, Senator Orji Kalu.