Abdul-Azeez Suleiman, the Director of Publicity and Advocacy, and Spokesperson of the Northern Elders Forum (NEF), emphasized that the North made a significant sacrifice for national unity by strategically supporting President Bola Tinubu in the 2023 elections, he revealed this in a recent interview with The Sun.
Suleiman highlighted the North’s political competitiveness and its commitment to a united Nigeria, citing the deliberate mobilization of votes to ensure Tinubu’s victory. He stressed that this intentional power shift from the North to the South underscored the region’s dedication to fostering national unity.
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“Another example of the North’s political competitiveness and sacrifice for national unity can be seen in the engineered shift of power to ensure the southern presidency of Bola Tinubu. Tinubu, a prominent politician from the Southwest, had aspirations for the presidency. However, the North recognized the need for a united Nigeria and the importance of accommodating the aspirations of other regions. To achieve this, the North strategically mobilised its votes to support Tinubu’s presidential bid. This deliberate shift of power from the North to the South was a testament to the region’s commitment to national unity.
“By enabling a Southern president, the North demonstrated its willingness to make sacrifices for the greater good of the country. These instances showcase the region’s political maturity and its ability to prioritize the country’s interests over its own. But to think of using undemocratic tactic to exclude the North from the presidential contest in 2027 or any other time, could lead to feelings of marginalisation and discontent among its populace.
The region has historically been a stronghold of political power, and denying it the opportunity to present candidates may be perceived as a deliberate attempt to sideline the North. Such marginalisation could fuel regional tensions and exacerbate existing socio-political divisions, potentially leading to unrest and instability. Nigeria’s political system relies on a delicate balance between the North and other regions.”
While acknowledging the North’s historical stronghold on political power, Suleiman cautioned against sidelining the region in the upcoming 2027 presidential bid.
He argued that any attempt to undemocratically exclude the North could breed feelings of marginalization and discontent among its populace.
He emphasized the delicate balance in Nigeria’s political system, emphasizing the need for inclusivity to maintain stability. Suleiman’s remarks serve as a reminder that the nation’s political landscape relies on a harmonious coexistence between the North and other regions.
