The Governor of Kogi state, Yahaya Bello, has claimed the north-central region of Nigeria, deserves to be considered for the presidency more than the south-east.

According to Bello, both zones are “disadvantaged in terms of the position of the presidency”.

He stated this on Tuesday at the presidential villa in Abuja, while reacting to Ohanaeze Ndigbo’s comment that zoning the presidency to the south-east is a key ingredient for national unity.

Bello said: “Well, if you’re talking of south-east, then you will equally talk of north-central. Not only since 1999 but since 1960. So what do you say about north-central; both the president and vice-president?

“So put the situation of the south-east and that of north-central side by side, then who is more disadvantaged in terms of the position of presidency; both presidents and vice presidents? So if you put both sides together, then let’s do justice. And whichever way you look at it, I’m eminently qualified.”

Bello added that the north-central has never produced the president nor vice-president of the country, and it is only proper that the region produces President Muhammadu Buhari’s successor.

Contrary to Bello’s claim, the north-central has produced military heads of state.