The Northern Elders Forum (NEF) has expressed regret regarding the region’s support for President Bola Tinubu during the 2023 presidential election.
Abdul-Azeez Suleiman, the spokesperson for the forum, emphasized the need for unity and consensus in future candidate selection for the presidency. Suleiman highlighted that despite Tinubu’s popularity in the region during the election, the North now aims to prioritize a candidate who fosters inclusivity, avoids controversy, and aligns with the interests of all Nigerian regions.
Regarding Peter Obi’s recent visit and donations to northern communities, Suleiman indicated that the region values candidates who exhibit inclusiveness and a commitment to national unity.
Acknowledging the perceived mistakes in supporting Tinubu, Suleiman emphasized the importance of learning from past missteps and choosing a candidate who can effectively unite the country and govern in the best interest of all Nigerians. The NEF intends to exercise caution in future presidential elections to avoid repeating similar errors.
Tinubu’s administration has faced criticism for policies labeled as detrimental to the masses. Former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar, Tinubu’s main opponent in the previous election, criticized the president’s policies as lacking empathy, particularly in response to the recent hike in electricity tariffs.
However, President Tinubu has defended his administration’s actions, assuring Nigerians that the nation is on a path of improvement.
He highlighted recent legislative achievements, such as signing the Student Loan bill into law, as steps toward a brighter future for Nigerian children.
Tinubu also addressed economic concerns, acknowledging inflation challenges but expressing confidence in the government’s efforts to address them and improve the economy.
Overall, while there are criticisms of Tinubu’s policies, he remains optimistic about Nigeria’s future and his administration’s ability to overcome challenges and improve the lives of its citizens.
