A northern group, Arewa Transformational Leaders, has kicked against zoning of presidential tickets by major political parties to any region.
National Chairman of the group, Alhaji Yusuf Ibrahim, told journalists at the end of their meeting in Abuja, that the loud conversation for zoning of the presidency in 2023 should not be at the centre of conversation but seeking the right persons that would pull Nigeria out of the dungeon of socio-economic underdevelopment and backwardness.
“The discussion about zoning is an interesting one and it’s expected in this period because of lots of interest in the forthcoming general elections. However, we are encouraging everyone interested in any political position, irrespective of geopolitical zone and political party, to go out and exercise his or her franchise.
“We are not party to the issues of zoning to the north or south because it has done us no good in the past. We have unanimously agreed to support political leaders including the president as long as they are democratically elected by the people of Nigeria. Religion, tribe or political affiliation shouldn’t be a problem for us.”
Ibrahim noted that their major focus is on steps that would promote peace and development of the north.
“We are in for any cause that will promote mutual respect for both religions, Christianity and Islam, and guarantee peaceful co-existence in the north.”
Reacting to the death of Deborah Samuel, a Christian student in Sokoto State, Ibrahim described the incident as unfortunate.
“The victim was a northerner and the act took place in the north. We are not happy with the situation but as an organisation, we will do everything legally possible to ensure that peace and sanity is restored in the affected communities and other parts of the north.”
He solicited the support of members of the organisation to the new leadership of the organisation to ensure they succeed in their quest to make the north a better place to live and do business.
Meanwhile, as the debate on zoning of the 2023 presidency rages, human rights activist, Senator Shehu Sani has declared that northern politicians were not ready to cede power to the south.
He said politicians cannot continue to accept the principle of federal character and at the same time kick against zoning.
