2023 Presidency Splits Northern Leaders by dre11(m): 11:26am On Dec 14, 2019 |
ACF chieftains disagree as Middle Belt, SOKAPU unite against North •Elders call emergency meeting to present common position Northern leaders and groups championing the interest of the region are currently divided over power rotation and the 2023 presidency, just as some elders under the banner of Northern Elders Forum have called an emergency meeting for next week to manage the cracks and explore the possibility of presenting a common position.
One of such cracks is in the ranks of Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF), the northern socio-cultural mouthpiece as the Acting Chairman and Secretary General of the Forum (ACF), Alhaji Musa Liman Kwande and Anthony Sani have respectively disagreed over the region’s position to produce the nation’s president post-Muhammadu Buhari’s end of tenure in 2023.
While Sani argues that north’s numerical strength alone cannot give it the presidency in 2023, Kwande thinks otherwise. “The constitution is very clear on how to become president, to wit, that the person must win not only majority votes but also at least 25% of the votes in at least two thirds of the 36 states and FCT. That means no regional votes alone can make a region produce a president.
This is because two thirds of the 36 states is 24 states while the North is only 19 states. Unless a part of the South supports the candidate from the North, there is no way the candidate can emerge the president with northern votes alone”, Sani had told Saturday Sun in an interview. Kwande on the other hand said only a single candidate of northern extraction will be voted for in 2023 presidential election, irrespective of political party.
This is even as the Middle Belt Forum as well as the Southern Kaduna People’s Union (SOKAPU) have distanced themselves from the position of the ACF leaders. For the Middle Belt Forum and SOKAPU, it is high time the core north left the presidency for the Middle Belt region, just as they pressed for the restructuring of the country.
Speaking to Saturday Sun in reaction to the stance of the Acting Chairman of ACF, Alhaji Kwande, who said that north will produce candidate for 2023 presidency, Sani said the Chairman was expressing his personal opinion. According to the ACF scribe, “I have been saying this over and over again about the 2023 presidency, and my position has always been that it is too early to talk about the 2023 presidential race. The moment we start talking about the 2023 presidential election, we are down playing performance in our national politics.
“Secondly, we are down playing the chance of political parties to present their own candidates. And again politics of zoning has no national consensus. In the last election, for example, there were a total of 76 presidential candidates, and only six were from the north, and 70 from the south. So the national consensus is not binding. I want to believe that, that is the spirit my Chairman was expressing his personal opinion because in the absence of binding national consensus, anybody can come out and contest.
“And again, north doesn’t even have the numerical strength to produce the president because the north cannot retain the presidency without the support of the south. North doesn’t have the numerical strength because the region must have the majority votes and 25 percent in 2/3 of the 36 States, which is 24 States. North doesn’t have 24 States, south doesn’t have 24 States. So north alone cannot produce the president, south alone cannot produce the president.
“I believe those who put it this way in the Constitution want us to make friends across the country in our democratic system. The Constitution did not say that north alone can produce the president or south alone can produce the president”.
However, the National Legal Adviser, Middle Belt Forum, Mark Jacob said it is the turn of the middle belt to produce the nation’s next president in 2023. Mark Jacob was one time national legal adviser of People’s Democratic Party (PDP) and Attorney General of Kaduna State respectively.
According to Jacob, “The middle belt has better qualified candidates for the 2023 presidential election than any other part of the north. We have cooperated and supported other parts of the north to produce Presidents for the country. So we believe that the time has come for other parts of the north to support the middle belt because we have better qualified candidates for the job.
“There is nothing wrong with having and identifying with Middle Belt Forum because it is a geopolitical entity like any other geopolitical zones in the country.
And I want to quickly add that restructuring of the country is even more important to us than the 2023 elections because the current structure of Nigeria is faulty, so we believe in restructuring because it will ensure stability of the nation”.
For the national president of SOKAPU, Jonathan Asake, his people would rather pitch tent with other socio-cultural groups that believe in the restructuring of the country, and not with ACF that does not believe in restructuring Specifically, Asake said SOKAPU will reach out to the leadership of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Afenifere, Middle Belt Forum as well as Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF) to press for the restructuring of the country.
He said, “Our leadership will reach out to other sociocultural groups such as the Middle Belt Forum, Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF), Afenifere, and Ohaeneze Ndigbo with whom we share common ideals and aspirations on the Nigerian project such as the restructuring of Nigeria including resource control, power sharing and power rotation, States creation, land tenure and land ownership, devolution of power, self determination, and traditional institutions matters, to mention but a few”.
Worried by the divergent views coming from the region, the Northern Elders Forum under the leadership of Prof Ango Abdullahi has called for an emergency meeting for next week to address urgent issues bordering on unity of the north, insecurity and the 2023 presidency among others. While the elders support restructuring of the country, ACF does not.
A source privy to the agenda of the NEF meeting said, “the elders are concerned about the conflicts between our frontline royal fathers and the government of the day whether at the federal or state level. For instance, it is obvious there is no cordial relationship between the Sultan of Sokoto and the Buhari government; there is no peace between the Kano state government and the Emir of Kano; while the hostile relationship between the Emir of Zazzau and the Kaduna state government is just showing some signs of improvement recently.”
The source further stated that the elders are worried about the lack of sufficient federal interest in the security challenges in Sokoto, Zamfara and Katsina. “We are also aware of the aspiration of some of our governors to vie for the 2023 presidency and the discordant tunes coming from the various socio-political and cultural organisations. These are some of the issues the elders will be considering next week with a view to mobilizing support for a common position for the entire north.” https://www.sunnewsonline.com/2023-presidency-splits-northern-leaders/ 3 Likes 1 Share |
Re: 2023 Presidency Splits Northern Leaders by Simplyleo: 11:28am On Dec 14, 2019 |
One thing about this presidency thingy is that it is swinging between the north (a region) and the south west (a zone in the south). Wetin dey funny me now be say, is it that one particular zone is not worthy of consideration for the office? 29 Likes |
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Re: 2023 Presidency Splits Northern Leaders by juman(m): 11:57am On Dec 14, 2019 |
People engulf in power grabbing only.
No one talk about tens of millions of nigerians dying of hunger. Talking about good governance is most important. 44 Likes 2 Shares |
Re: 2023 Presidency Splits Northern Leaders by Brandstudio01: 12:01pm On Dec 14, 2019 |
What do you expect |
Re: 2023 Presidency Splits Northern Leaders by deboysben(m): 12:01pm On Dec 14, 2019 |
Mrvitalis your attention is needed here.
I cannot come and kee my self 1 Like 1 Share |
Re: 2023 Presidency Splits Northern Leaders by mrvitalis(m): 12:11pm On Dec 14, 2019 |
deboysben: Mrvitalis your attention is needed here.
I cannot come and kee my self ok 1 Like 1 Share |
Re: 2023 Presidency Splits Northern Leaders by mrvitalis(m): 12:12pm On Dec 14, 2019 |
Thats good na 1 Like |
Re: 2023 Presidency Splits Northern Leaders by mrvitalis(m): 12:21pm On Dec 14, 2019 |
Simplyleo: One thing about this presidency thingy is that it is swinging between the north (a region) and the south west (a zone in the south).
Wetin dey funny me now be say, is it that one particular zone is not worthy of consideration for the office? Its more likely for the devil to repent than south west in 2023 ...north won't vote u ,south east won't vote u ,south south won't vote u The south east can say they have the south south with them North west can say they have north east Who do the south west have ...just name the region The Igbo's can work with northern minorites ,they know we stand for them offer them vice Who can the south west back on ...the north west your hope lied on is going for it themselves 77 Likes 4 Shares |
Re: 2023 Presidency Splits Northern Leaders by Bazamfare: 12:53pm On Dec 14, 2019 |
Lol. Nyamuri flat.head!! Im a northerner, ur in no position to dictate on who and how a northerner votes in 2023, we will vote for APC and whoever Buhari dictates us too, which is likely a SW candidate, irrespective of PDP candidate It's obvious the SS are more politically savvy and sophisticated than the SE, that's why APC were able to win Bayelsa State, coupled with heavyweights that are from the region.. ur less important and insignificant in the scheme of things, that why u are attaching urself by force with the SS to find solace and comfort Lol. Who are the minority!?!?! You guys are so delusional, moronic and foolish to think that the MB starts and ends with platue and benue state, don't forget that kwarra, kogi, Niger normally align with the voting pattern of core north and I don't see that changing mrvitalis:
Its more likely for the devil to repent than south west in 2023 ...north won't vote u ,south east won't vote u ,south south won't vote u
The south east can say they have the south south with them North west can say they have north east
Who do the south west have ...just name the region
The Igbo's can work with northern minorites ,they know we stand for them offer them vice
Who can the south west back on ...the north west your hope lied on is going for it themselves 53 Likes 6 Shares |
Re: 2023 Presidency Splits Northern Leaders by Balogunodua(m): 12:55pm On Dec 14, 2019 |
mrvitalis:
Its more likely for the devil to repent than south west in 2023 ...north won't vote u ,south east won't vote u ,south south won't vote u
The south east can say they have the south south with them North west can say they have north east
Who do the south west have ...just name the region
The Igbo's can work with northern minorites ,they know we stand for them offer them vice
Who can the south west back on ...the north west your hope lied on is going for it themselves Oga wait till 2023 and stop worrying about southwest. 32 Likes 1 Share |
Re: 2023 Presidency Splits Northern Leaders by Simplyleo: 1:01pm On Dec 14, 2019 |
mrvitalis:
Its more likely for the devil to repent than south west in 2023 ...north won't vote u ,south east won't vote u ,south south won't vote u
The south east can say they have the south south with them North west can say they have north east
Who do the south west have ...just name the region
The Igbo's can work with northern minorites ,they know we stand for them offer them vice
Who can the south west back on ...the north west your hope lied on is going for it themselves Choi. Wetin dey for this chest beating wey some people dey enjoy laidis? 25 Likes 1 Share |
Re: 2023 Presidency Splits Northern Leaders by mrvitalis(m): 1:02pm On Dec 14, 2019 |
Bazamfare: Lol. Nyamuri flat.head!! Im a northerner, ur in no position to dictate on who and how a northerner votes in 2023, we will vote for APC and whoever Buhari dictates us too, which is likely a SW candidate, irrespective of PDP candidate
It's obvious the SS are more politically savvy and sophisticated than the SE, that's why APC were able to win Bayelsa State, coupled with heavyweights that are from the region.. ur less important and insignificant in the scheme of things, that why u are attaching urself by force with the SS to find solace and comfort
Lol. Who are the minority!?!?! You guys are so delusional, moronic and foolish to think that the MB starts and ends with platue and benue state, don't forget that kwarra, kogi, Niger normally align with the voting pattern of core north and I don't see that changing In your small mind anyone would believe you are from North ....lmao 34 Likes 1 Share |
Re: 2023 Presidency Splits Northern Leaders by Bazamfare: 1:02pm On Dec 14, 2019 |
8 Likes |
Re: 2023 Presidency Splits Northern Leaders by helinues: 1:04pm On Dec 14, 2019 |
Too early for this.. 2 Likes |
Re: 2023 Presidency Splits Northern Leaders by Simplyleo: 1:04pm On Dec 14, 2019 |
Bazamfare: You mean minority second class citizens! Gbamsolutely. Their own na to either support or oppose. Is it that they are not qualified ni? 16 Likes |
Re: 2023 Presidency Splits Northern Leaders by Bazamfare: 1:06pm On Dec 14, 2019 |
Lol. You can believe whatever u want, I don't owe u any explanation.. You wouldn't have doubted me if I had sided with u From ur logic, one can only be a northerner if he supports Ibo propaganda The reality is that u guys are insignificant and useless in the scheme of things.. take ur L in peace mrvitalis:
In your small mind anyone would believe you are from North ....lmao 21 Likes 1 Share |
Re: 2023 Presidency Splits Northern Leaders by helinues: 1:06pm On Dec 14, 2019 |
mrvitalis:
Its more likely for the devil to repent than south west in 2023 ...north won't vote u ,south east won't vote u ,south south won't vote u
The south east can say they have the south south with them North west can say they have north east
Who do the south west have ...just name the region
The Igbo's can work with northern minorites ,they know we stand for them offer them vice
Who can the south west back on ...the north west your hope lied on is going for it themselves Me listening to Aaliyah - Back and forth 8 Likes |
Re: 2023 Presidency Splits Northern Leaders by Simplyleo: 1:08pm On Dec 14, 2019 |
mrvitalis:
In your small mind anyone would believe you are from North ....lmao So what makes you think he is not from the north? Because you dont like his position? 22 Likes 1 Share |
Re: 2023 Presidency Splits Northern Leaders by Bazamfare: 1:08pm On Dec 14, 2019 |
12 Likes 17 Shares |
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Re: 2023 Presidency Splits Northern Leaders by solmusdesigns: 1:11pm On Dec 14, 2019 |
half of the Arewa elders support rotation, same as the president so its game on My bet still remains on Southwest .. 18 Likes 1 Share |
Re: 2023 Presidency Splits Northern Leaders by Simplyleo: 1:11pm On Dec 14, 2019 |
Bazamfare: They are only qualified on social media!
Like for PDP Share for APC
1 Like |
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Re: 2023 Presidency Splits Northern Leaders by northvietnam(m): 1:44pm On Dec 14, 2019 |
Looting continual 2 Likes |
Re: 2023 Presidency Splits Northern Leaders by AdesegunSanni89: 1:45pm On Dec 14, 2019 |
I ain’t voting no Northerner come 2023 by Gods grace 4 Likes |
Re: 2023 Presidency Splits Northern Leaders by wink2015(m): 1:45pm On Dec 14, 2019 |
ACF chieftains disagree as Middle Belt, SOKAPU unite against North
•Elders call emergency meeting to present common position
Northern leaders and groups championing the interest of the region are currently divided over power rotation and the 2023 presidency, just as some elders under the banner of Northern Elders Forum have called an emergency meeting for next week to manage the cracks and explore the possibility of presenting a common position.
One of such cracks is in the ranks of Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF), the northern socio-cultural mouthpiece as the Acting Chairman and Secretary General of the Forum (ACF), Alhaji Musa Liman Kwande and Anthony Sani have respectively disagreed over the region’s position to produce the nation’s president post-Muhammadu Buhari’s end of tenure in 2023.
While Sani argues that north’s numerical strength alone cannot give it the presidency in 2023, Kwande thinks otherwise. “The constitution is very clear on how to become president, to wit, that the person must win not only majority votes but also at least 25% of the votes in at least two thirds of the 36 states and FCT. That means no regional votes alone can make a region produce a president.
This is because two thirds of the 36 states is 24 states while the North is only 19 states. Unless a part of the South supports the candidate from the North, there is no way the candidate can emerge the president with northern votes alone”, Sani had told Saturday Sun in an interview. Kwande on the other hand said only a single candidate of northern extraction will be voted for in 2023 presidential election, irrespective of political party.
This is even as the Middle Belt Forum as well as the Southern Kaduna People’s Union (SOKAPU) have distanced themselves from the position of the ACF leaders. For the Middle Belt Forum and SOKAPU, it is high time the core north left the presidency for the Middle Belt region, just as they pressed for the restructuring of the country.
Speaking to Saturday Sun in reaction to the stance of the Acting Chairman of ACF, Alhaji Kwande, who said that north will produce candidate for 2023 presidency, Sani said the Chairman was expressing his personal opinion. According to the ACF scribe, “I have been saying this over and over again about the 2023 presidency, and my position has always been that it is too early to talk about the 2023 presidential race. The moment we start talking about the 2023 presidential election, we are down playing performance in our national politics.
“Secondly, we are down playing the chance of political parties to present their own candidates. And again politics of zoning has no national consensus. In the last election, for example, there were a total of 76 presidential candidates, and only six were from the north, and 70 from the south. So the national consensus is not binding. I want to believe that, that is the spirit my Chairman was expressing his personal opinion because in the absence of binding national consensus, anybody can come out and contest.
“And again, north doesn’t even have the numerical strength to produce the president because the north cannot retain the presidency without the support of the south. North doesn’t have the numerical strength because the region must have the majority votes and 25 percent in 2/3 of the 36 States, which is 24 States. North doesn’t have 24 States, south doesn’t have 24 States. So north alone cannot produce the president, south alone cannot produce the president.
“I believe those who put it this way in the Constitution want us to make friends across the country in our democratic system. The Constitution did not say that north alone can produce the president or south alone can produce the president”.
However, the National Legal Adviser, Middle Belt Forum, Mark Jacob said it is the turn of the middle belt to produce the nation’s next president in 2023. Mark Jacob was one time national legal adviser of People’s Democratic Party (PDP) and Attorney General of Kaduna State respectively.
According to Jacob, “The middle belt has better qualified candidates for the 2023 presidential election than any other part of the north. We have cooperated and supported other parts of the north to produce Presidents for the country. So we believe that the time has come for other parts of the north to support the middle belt because we have better qualified candidates for the job.
“There is nothing wrong with having and identifying with Middle Belt Forum because it is a geopolitical entity like any other geopolitical zones in the country.
And I want to quickly add that restructuring of the country is even more important to us than the 2023 elections because the current structure of Nigeria is faulty, so we believe in restructuring because it will ensure stability of the nation”.
For the national president of SOKAPU, Jonathan Asake, his people would rather pitch tent with other socio-cultural groups that believe in the restructuring of the country, and not with ACF that does not believe in restructuring Specifically, Asake said SOKAPU will reach out to the leadership of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Afenifere, Middle Belt Forum as well as Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF) to press for the restructuring of the country.
He said, “Our leadership will reach out to other sociocultural groups such as the Middle Belt Forum, Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF), Afenifere, and Ohaeneze Ndigbo with whom we share common ideals and aspirations on the Nigerian project such as the restructuring of Nigeria including resource control, power sharing and power rotation, States creation, land tenure and land ownership, devolution of power, self determination, and traditional institutions matters, to mention but a few”.
Worried by the divergent views coming from the region, the Northern Elders Forum under the leadership of Prof Ango Abdullahi has called for an emergency meeting for next week to address urgent issues bordering on unity of the north, insecurity and the 2023 presidency among others. While the elders support restructuring of the country, ACF does not.
A source privy to the agenda of the NEF meeting said, “the elders are concerned about the conflicts between our frontline royal fathers and the government of the day whether at the federal or state level. For instance, it is obvious there is no cordial relationship between the Sultan of Sokoto and the Buhari government; there is no peace between the Kano state government and the Emir of Kano; while the hostile relationship between the Emir of Zazzau and the Kaduna state government is just showing some signs of improvement recently.”
The source further stated that the elders are worried about the lack of sufficient federal interest in the security challenges in Sokoto, Zamfara and Katsina. “We are also aware of the aspiration of some of our governors to vie for the 2023 presidency and the discordant tunes coming from the various socio-political and cultural organisations. These are some of the issues the elders will be considering next week with a view to mobilizing support for a common position for the entire north.”
https://www.sunnewsonline.com/2023-presidency-splits-northern-leaders/ |
Re: 2023 Presidency Splits Northern Leaders by AmazingELixir: 1:46pm On Dec 14, 2019 |
4 Likes |