The Northern Elders Forum (NEF), through its spokesman, has expressed some regrets in the region’s support for incumbent President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in the 2023 general elections.
In an interview on Tuesday, granted by Abdul-Azeez Suleiman, the spokesman of the forum, he assured that in future elections, the region would shift their focus and prioritize issues like unity of the country and a consensus endorsement in selecting a candidate for the highest office in the country.
When Mr. Suleiman was pressed about the recent visits and donations to some communities in the north by the Labour Party candidate, Peter Obi, he said the region would prioritize someone who is seen as more inclusive, less controversial, and more aligned with the interests of all regions of the country.
He said, “The North made a mistake in voting Bola Tinubu to the presidency in 2023, and it is unlikely that they will repeat the same error in the future.”
“They have learned from their past misstep and will strive to select a candidate who can unite the country and govern in the best interests of all Nigerians.
“Moving forward, the North will be more cautious in selecting a candidate for the presidency. They will prioritize someone who is seen as more inclusive, less controversial, and more aligned with the interests of all regions of the country.
“The mistake of supporting Tinubu in 2023 has taught them the importance of unity and consensus in selecting a candidate for the highest office in the land,” he was quoted as saying.
President Tinubu has come under some intense criticism over many of his decisions seen as controversial, for example, the northern elders expressed their dissatisfaction over the relocation of some Central bank of Nigeria (CBN’s) staff from their Abuja office to Lagos. Other measures have been tagged “anti-masses” like the removal of fuel subsidy and floating of the Naira.
The president has also received criticism for the continued insecurity in some northern states, most notably, the unfortunate kidnap of students from a school in Kaduna state. Although, those students have been rescued by the Nigerian army and they insist no ransom was paid to secure their release, a stance the president has maintained since assuming office.
Earlier this week, the former Vice-President and Peoples’ Democratic Party (PDP’s) standard bearer in the 2023 election, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, accused the president of implementing policies he tagged lacking “human face”.
The opposition party leader was particularly incensed by the recent hike in electricity tariff and called on the president to reverse the directive.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, on his part, continue to sound an optimistic tone arguing that Nigerians will soon start reading the fruits of his policies.
