The immediate-past Secretary-General of Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF), Mr. Anthony Sani, says it is not true that the north does not like to give up power.
He spoke against the backdrop of insinuations that the region could cling to power when President Muhammadu Buhari’s tenure ends in 2023, in violation of the existing gentleman’s agreement of rotational presidency since 1999.
Sani said that the allegation that the north does not like to relinquish power was not backed by evidence or history.
“Those who allege that the North is not known for giving power easily are most unfair to the North.
“This is because the North voted for Chief M. K. O Abiola against a northerner, Bashir Tofa in 1993. Kano State people even voted against the son of the soil and in favour of Chief M. K. O Abiola.
“In 1999, the North agreed that the Southwest should present the presidential candidates which resulted in the fielding of both Chief Obasanjo in PDP and Chief Olu Falae In APP in the hope of making up for the injustice meted to the Southwest.
“In 2003, President Obasanjo got 25 percent in most Northern states when General Buhari stood for the elections. Also, in 2011, President Jonathan got 25 percent in most Northern states when General Buhari contested the elections.
“So, when some southerners allege that the North regards power to rule the country as its own patrimony, I begin to wonder the basis of such allegations,” Sani told Sunday Sun.
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