North Central Support Group has described the Northern Elders Forum (NEF)’s statement expressing its regret on the region’s support for President Bola Tinubu during the 2023 presidential election as self serving.
NEF through its spokesman, Abdul-Azeez Suleiman, was quoted as saying that the north had learned its lesson over heightened security challenges under the Tinubu-led administration.
He said going forward, the region would prioritise unity and consensus in selecting a candidate for the highest office in the land.
However, the group said NEF cannot speak on behalf of the entire north concerning the candidate to support in 2027, adding that the president has done well so far and should be encouraged to continue the good work.
“It has become necessary for us as a support group and as those who have equal stakes in the north to dissociate ourselves from the reckless and selfish statement credited to the Elders’ Forum.
“Going through their statement, it became obvious to us that they have an ulterior agenda and cannot honestly substantiate the lies they are using as front to achieve their motive. Their motive has failed even before it took off. We are wiser now and it will be difficult for anyone to toss us around in the name of representing us.
“We are fully aware whose agenda they have set out to achieve and it will fall like a pack of cards.
“We the North Central States Support group unequivocally dissociates ourselves from their agenda which is driven by greed and selfish interest,” the group said in a statement signed by its chairman, Mr Joseph Maiwada and secretary, Mr Abraham Stephen Narai respectively.
It also said, although Tinubu ‘s administration is barely a year, it is performing well in critical sectors, adding that what the president needs is support from all well meaning individuals and organisations for him to succeed.
It noted that NEF’s criticism is distractive and unnecessary, adding that with the likes of Senator George Akume around the president, he is bound to succeed.