One of the challenges of the post-third-term era is where the next president would come from. Would he or she come from the North, particularly now that there is agitation from the South-south?
Personally, I have made this point even when I was in Port Harcourt at a South-south forum. I said I am aware that the South-south feels that they should produce the next president. For those who subscribe to the logic of location, and our own of course, coming from South-south, that will readily be my position. But I do not believe that the problem of Nigeria is about where the man comes from. Problem of Nigeria is about who the man is. By that, I do not mean his religion or where he is from. I mean, what does he believe in, who is he, what is the depth of his conviction; what leadership qualities does he have; does he really believe in Nigeria as a nation; does he have what it takes to motivate our people; can he project his views elsewhere and be respected by the external world? Because, when you say the world is globalised, it means that the acceptability of your own president to others is a factor. Those who come to Nigeria, in making investment decision, are directed by a level of perception of the leadership that is on the ground. Those qualities I find more critical. So, I asked my people that if a thief comes from the South-south and becomes the president, what difference does it make if he does not govern properly? Personally, I am not a subscriber to the rotational school, particularly when it is pursued at the expense of merit. But the good news, however, is that there is no part of the federation that does not have people of good qualities. That is why I was shocked when Governor Kure of Niger State said the South-south did not have presidential materials. I felt very sorry for him because that reveals a very primitive mind consumed by a very narrow calculation and unable to see beyond what he perceives as his immediate interest.  And it is that kind of approach to issues that creates this tension, which does not allow for an enlightened debate and, therefore, contestation on the basis of issues. But I also believe that, somehow, the Nigerian people will decide. And they must insist on the right to make the decision about who becomes the next president even if that person has to come from the South-south or, indeed, any other zone.

If you look at the situation on the ground, you must be worried about being rigged out. What contingency measure do you have against the rigging syndrome?
Now, my position is that rigging has been easy partly because people were not ready to carry out all the battles. Everywhere I have gone to talk about the election I have always urged them to purge themselves of the belief that their votes may not count; and that their votes will count if they insist. And, even in this environment in which we talk about rigging, there is evidence here and there that when the people are clear and they anticipate rigging and they make contingency plan for it, they can resist it. Not just vote and go home and allow vultures to come and steal your vote. Defend the vote. So, in our campaigns, we say "do not just vote for us, you must be ready to defend the vote." Like some people say, those who go to battle do not leave their heads in the house. They go with their heads. So, as they are attacking your head, their own is also present and it is not immune from attack. I believe there is a question of correct medicine being given. All my life, my business has been to give people confidence: that they can question, challenge and engage. And if we can do that on other issues, I do not know why we shouldn’t do so when we are involved (in elections).

When are we to expect your disengagement from the NLC?
I am not disengaging from the NLC. The law does not require me to disengage and I will not disengage. I only need the understanding of the NLC formally. Why I say not yet is that we are there. I am sure, this month, I will have to make that decision