The Northern Leaders Consultative Forum (NLCF) chaired by ex-Speaker Yakubu Dogara has adopted the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and its presidential candidate ahead of next year’s election.
The group, at a meeting in Abuja on Friday, considered and adopted the recommendations contained in a report of the Northern Leaders Technical Criteria Committee (NLTCC) chaired by Kumalia Mohammed, with Mela Nunge (SAN) as Secretary.
Presenting the report to the meeting, ex-Kogi Deputy Governor, Simon Achuba said the NLTCC was set up to critically analyse the chances of the four leading political parties and recommend which to be supported.
The parties analysed, Achuba said, are the All Progressives Congress (APC), the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), the Labour Party (LP) and the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP).
The report, while recommending the choice of the PDP, said from all indications, the PDP “seems to be above board in every criterion as postulated.
“It is nationalistic in spread even though not free from internal crisis like each of the other political parties.
“If the momentum is aggressively sustained, it will be the party to reckon with.
“From the above evaluation and analysis, it is evident that the APC is heading for implosion and extinction; hence it cannot be the party for now and in the future because of its rejection to embrace inclusiveness in a diverse country like Nigeria.
“After the 2023 elections, APC may be dead and buried as a political party.
“While the duo of NNPP and LP may emerge as strong contenders in the political arena in the future, from all indications, PDP appears to be the best option to adopt and support.
“All it takes is to sustain and tackle some of the problems and challenges this country is facing.
“Certainly, with proper consultations and inclusive appointments, which is mindful of the Federal Character principles with sincere consideration of diverse issues such as religious affiliation, geographical location and ethnic identity, which many believe will enhance justice, fairness and equity.
“After a careful evaluation of all the issues highlighted above, we hereby recommend for the adoption of the PDP, to all lovers of democracy in Nigeria, for the 2023 presidential election.
“However, this should be subject getting the necessary assurance from the party to run an all-inclusive government, details of which shall be discussed with the leadership of the party in the nearest future.
After entertaining contributions from SE members of the group, including former Deputy Governor of Sokoto State, Muktar Shagari, the meeting adopted the NLTCC.
Dogara said his group is motivated by the need to ensure equity and promote peaceful coexistence in the country.
Shagari urged Nigerians to insist on fairness and support the PDP as against the APC, he claimed has chosen to ignore the majority of Christians in the country by choosing a Muslim/Muslim ticket.
