The Northern Elders Forum (NEF) has voiced remorse over their support for President Bola Tinubu in the 2023 elections.
Despite Tinubu, representing the All Progressives Congress (APC), garnering the highest votes from the region, the NEF now acknowledges their misstep.
Advertorial
Abdul-Azeez Suleiman, the spokesperson of the forum, emphasized a shift towards prioritizing unity and consensus in future presidential candidate selections.
He cited the need for a leader who is perceived as inclusive, less contentious, and more aligned with the nation’s overall interests.
Reflecting on recent gestures from Peter Obi, the Labour Party (LP) presidential candidate in 2023, towards communities in northern states, Suleiman underscored the region’s evolving approach to leadership choices.
“The North acknowledges the mistake made in backing Bola Tinubu for the presidency in 2023, and it’s improbable they will repeat such a blunder,” Suleiman stated.
He emphasized a commitment to learning from past errors and selecting a unifying figure capable of governing for the collective welfare of all Nigerians.
Suleiman outlined the NEF’s revised criteria for future presidential contenders, stressing inclusivity, avoidance of controversy, and alignment with diverse regional interests.
“Tinubu’s presidency has faced criticism for policies deemed detrimental to the masses,” Suleiman added, referencing former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar’s recent critique of the administration’s electricity tariff hikes.
