By Mu’azu Abubakar Albarkawa, Kaduna
A non governmental organization, Arewa Forum of Conscience has unveiled move by some northern elites to endorse a proposed single presidential candidate from the region in the 2023 election.
The group said such move does not replect the yearning and aspiration of majority of the electorate in northern part of the country.
A statement signed and issued to newsmen in Zaria by Musa Salihu Getso, Chairman, Coordinating Committee said the group has watched keenly and with concern, the discreet moves by a particular presidential candidate to sponsor a contracted northern endorsement for him.
“We are aware that the move has led to a meeting called by the Arewa Consultative Forum, a section of the Northern Elders Forum and other peripheral associations in Kaduna on Saturday, October 15, 2022.
“We are also aware that the invitation extended to other political parties candidates was a mere smokescreen as all clandestine arrangements have been concluded for the groups to announce the Peoples Democratic Party candidate, Atiku Abubakar as sole northern consensus candidate.
Getso noted that the group feel obligated to respond to the destabilizing move by a people who are so desperate as not to mind the consequences of further causing general disaffection by exploiting the nation’s regional, religious and tribal diversity.
He cautioned that the proposed agenda is not in the character of the North to engage in counterproductive sectional politics “as contemplated by Atiku and his payed groups of people who call themselves elders and leaders of Northern Nigeria.” Hé accused.
“The group hereby on behalf of the larger majority of northern population call on the Nigerian public to disregard any pronouncement suggesting that any candidate, not the least Atiku Abubakar has been endorsed as sole northern candidate.
“We tell the world that any such pronouncement from anybody or group is not made on behalf of the people of northern Nigeria who have been known for playing cosmopolitan and pan-Nigerian politics.” He warned.
AFC therefore cautioned the North to be vigilant against the machinations of paid groups presenting self-serving positions as the position of the people of the North.
The Chairman observed that most of the people behind the groups are people who have held influential positions in Nigeria and failed to record any meaningful progress for the North beyond causing dangerous divisions among the people.
“AFC therefore categorically state that any pronouncement by the frustrated and discredited individuals in the ACF and NEF or other group drafted and paid to deceive the North and further a dubious political agenda should not be seen as representing the interest of the North.
“We warn that by announcing a sole candidate for the North, the region would only be isolating itself and would seal its political relevance parmanently.
