The race for the 2023 presidency got more interesting on Friday as the Northern Leaders Consultative Forum (NLCF) endorsed the presidential candidate of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Alhaji Atiku Abubakar for the February 25, 2023, election.
NCLF endorsed Abubakar at a media conference in Abuja on Friday.
The group comprises prominent Muslim and Christian leaders of northern extraction, including former Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Yakubu Dogara.
NCLF’s endorsement followed the adoption of a report by its Technical Criteria Committee.
“It is evident that the All Progressives Congress (APC) is heading for implosion and extinction; hence, it cannot be the party for now and in the future, because of its rejection to embrace inclusiveness in a diverse country like Nigeria. After the 2023 elections, APC may be dead and buried as a political party.
“While the duo (NNPP and LP) may emerge as strong contenders in the political arena in the future, from all indications, PDP appears to be the best option to adopt and support.
“All it takes is to sustain and tackle some of the problems and challenges this country is facing.
“Certainly, with proper consultations and inclusive appointments, which is mindful of the federal character principle with a sincere consideration of diverse issues such as religious affiliation, geographical location, and ethnic identity, which many believe will enhance justice, fairness and equity, after a careful evaluation of all the issues highlighted above, we hereby recommend the adoption of the PDP to all lovers of democracy in Nigeria for the 2023 presidential election,” the report read.
Members of the group unanimously adopted the report after it was put to a voice vote by Dogara.
Recall that former Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Babachir Lawal, recently endorsed presidential candidate of Labour Party (LP), Peter Obi.
However, members of a group of northern Christians in the All Progressives Congress (APC), which Lawal leads, have distanced themselves from the endorsement.
Leave a Reply