The power struggle splitting Northern Nigeria elite ahead of 2015 presidential election took another turn today with President Goodluck Jonathan splitting its ranks. Tanko Yakasai's newly formed Northern Elders Council (NEC) publicly endorsed Mr. Jonathan's 2015 re-election during the group's meeting in Kaduna.
The power struggle splitting Northern Nigeria elite ahead of 2015 presidential election took another turn today with President Goodluck Jonathan splitting its ranks. Tanko Yakasai's newly formed Northern Elders Council (NEC) publicly endorsed Mr. Jonathan's 2015 re-election during the group's meeting in Kaduna.
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The NEC is also rooting for President Jonathan’s retention of Vice President Namadi Sambo as his running mate in the 2015 presidential election.
There has been an insistent agitation by the Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) led by Aliko Mohammed and Northern Elders Forum (NEF) led by the duo of Yusuf Maitama Sule and Ango Abdullahi for the return of political power to the North.
The development has already kick-started a political cold war featuring members of the Arewa Consultative Forum and Northern Elders Forum who view Mr. Yakasai’s moves as anti-North and assert that they are spearheaded by Mr. Jonathan and Vice President Sambo ahead of 2015.
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A prominent Northern politician told SaharaReporters on condition of anonymity that mainstream politicians were surprised when Mr. Yakasai recently announced the formation of his group and his subsequent romance with the Presidency. The source noted that Mr. Yakassai's u-turn was baffling since he had been committed to the realization of Northern Presidency in 2015.
In an apparent effort to counter the leadership of Arewa Consultative Forum and Northern Elders Forum, Mr. Yakasai stated, “We will work alongside all Nigerians who wish to ensure that machinations of anti-democratic forces in this country are frustrated. We reject intimidation, threat and violence. Leaders and elders must lead by example. It’s unacceptable for elders to make inciting and inflammatory statement capable of breaching the peace. We say no to war-like and belligerent posture.”
The communiqué endorsing Jonathan and Sambo was signed by Ambassador Yusuf Mamman on behalf of Mr. Yakasai’s group. It stated, “Northern Elders Council commends and fully supports the visionary and transformational policies of President Jonathan and acknowledge the socio-economic strides of the administration in all sectors. The Council pledges its full support and commitment to work for the success of President Goodluck Jonathan and Vice President Namadi Sambo.”
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