From Femi Oyelola, Kaduna
The Northern Elders Forum ( NEF) has said its recent endorsement of General Muhammadu Buhari / Prof, Yemi Osinbanjo ticket as against that of President Goodluck Jonathan/ Sambo Ticket was borne out of the wishes of the people from the region to have a candidate that has the best credential to lead Nigeria out of its current challenges.
The secretary of the Forum, Prof. Ango Abdullah disclosed this during a press briefing held in Kaduna yesterday.
According to the Forum it is no longer news that the dual of Buhari and Osinbanjo have the integrity, commitment and experience to resolve the present security problems, corruption and fix our economy.
“We welcome the overwhelming nation- wide support they are enjoying and we appeal to all Nigerians to support them to a victory that will end fear, impunity and destitution in our land.
“We are aware of sentiment being expressed by anti democratic forces calling for an unconstitutional Interim Government to stop the forthcoming elections. We want to warn that in the strongest terms that such design will be resisted and rejected by all Nigerians.” He said.
Prof. Ango Abdullahi also said any attempt to postpone the 2015 elections will amount to a resounding victory for Boko Haram and only enemies of Nigerian people will support such action because it is worse than the activities of the insurgents. According to him, the February elections must hold under the most secure and peaceful conditions possible, adding that the Goodluck Jonathan Led I in the administration is the position to guarantee and secure the elections if he so wish.
The Forum also expressed concerned that violence in many forms is becoming one of the defining characteristic of campaigns and preparations toward the February elections.
“We are concerned that the insurgents which terrorized much of North East may escalate its attacks as we move nearer to the elections. We therefore call on the military to do what they’re supposed to do in order to ensure that every Nigerian who wants to vote saved as they perform their civil duties.
