The Northern Elders Forum, NEF, has declared that Nigerians and northerners living in the region are regretting their support for President Bola Tinubu in the 2023 election.
The spokesman of the forum, Abdul-Azeez Suleiman made this claim in an interview which was monitored by Africa Today News, New York on Tuesday.
He noted that in subsequent polls, particularly the 2027 general elections, the region will prioritize unity and consensus in selecting a candidate for the highest office in Nigeria.
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.
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“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”, he said.
Africa Today News, New York recalls that President Bola Tinubu of the All Progressives Congress, APC, polled the highest votes from the region to beat his major contenders, including a Northerner, Atiku Abubakar of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP.
Since his inauguration in May 2023, the president has been widely criticised over some policies of his administration, which were tagged by the opposition as anti-masses.
Tinubu was also accused by Northern groups of lopsided appointments in the federal government.
President Tinubu had a few weeks ago submitted that he has no reason to underperform on a job that he campaigned so passionately for.
During a Ramadan fast-breaking event with Nigerian business leaders on Thursday, the President expressed gratitude for their support and pledged to engage with them more.
He mentioned that Nigeria’s economy is at a turning point and needs the support of the private sector for sustained growth and prosperity.