A top official of the Northern Elders Forum, NEF, Suleiman Abdul-Azeez, has criticized the call by APC National Chairman, Abdullahi Ganduje, for the North to abandon its 2027 presidential ambitions, describing Ganduje’s statement as undemocratic and harmful to Nigeria’s political system, as reported by VANGUARD.
Abdul-Azeez, who serves as the Director of NGOs and SCOs at NEF, said Ganduje’s stance denies the North its right to participate fully in the democratic process.
He warned that such a position sets a dangerous precedent where certain regions might be pressured to step aside for preferred candidates.
He said democracy thrives on free and fair elections, and all eligible candidates should have the right to contest without fear or intimidation.
He stated that telling the North to step aside in favor of President Bola Tinubu’s second term was unfair.
He argued that the principles of democracy demand equal opportunity for all political players, regardless of their region.
Abdul-Azeez further warned that if Ganduje’s position were accepted, it could lead to a situation where other regions in the future might also be forced to give up their political ambitions.
He said this would weaken Nigeria’s democracy by discouraging fair competition and inclusivity.
He called on all political leaders to respect democratic values and ensure a level playing field for all candidates in the 2027 election.
He said leaders must uphold inclusiveness and diversity in democracy.
According to him, true democracy means allowing all interested individuals and groups to contest without interference.
He urged the North not to accept any pressure to abandon its political rights.
“I strongly condemn Ganduje’s call for the North to drop any ambition of contesting against Tinubu in the 2027 presidential election. It is essential that we uphold the principles of democracy and ensure that all eligible candidates have the right to contest for political office without any form of interference or coercion. Let us strive to promote a culture of political inclusivity and diversity, where every individual has an equal opportunity to participate in the democratic process,” he said.
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