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As the 2023 presidential election inches closer, the Northern Youths Council of Nigeria (NYCN) has urged President Muhammadu Buhari to consider endorsing former President Goodluck Jonathan if he is willing to contest the election.
Speaking on arise news night, a daily news, and current affairs analysis on Arise Television, yesterday the president of NYCN, Comrade Isa Abubakar said it was apt for president to do so.
“I think it is a great innovation to invite the former president to reconsider championing the affairs of this country. President Buhari needs to consider handing over to Jonathan if Jonathan is ready to contest. We believe with the calls from all parts of the country, he will put it into consideration and contest for the presidency,” he said.
Abubakar also commended the various groups that have been clamouring for the return of the former president to Aso Rock in 2023.
He also noted that the group is planning to mobilize its members to pay Jonathan a courtesy visit to reiterate the need for him to consider running for the 2023 presidential election.
He noted that Jonathan has the energy and charisma to rule Nigeria.
According to him, “I think it will be a great decision if the former President Jonathan decides to contest the 2023 Presidential elections.
“Former President Jonathan who served as the President of Nigeria from 2010 to 2015, was a purposeful leader for the six years that he rule the nation.
“We believe that he has the experience to move the nation to the next level and the promised land.”
He further noted former President is still very vibrant.
Abubakar noted that while some Nigerians are still agitating for a youthful President, some youthful governors are not doing enough to ensure that the state they govern enjoys the dividend of democracy in terms of infrastructure development and welfare for its workers.
He stressed that what matters in leadership is experience and the willpower to ensure that Nigerians dividend of democracy.
“The civil servants in these states are suffering, wallowing in poverty and there is also a huge infrastructure deficit in these states.
“What matters is to have someone who has national spread as president. Someone who the nation can listen to and can promote unity.”
He recalled Jonathan was the first President that lost an election and instantly congratulate the President-elect.
“He is peaceful and he also ensures that his ambition doesn’t cost anybody’s life,” he stated.
On youths’ participation in politics, he decried that over 80 per cent of Nigerian youths are not interested in the electoral process.
“80 per cent of youths in Nigeria have refused to vote or participate in politics which has greatly led to voters’ apathy.
“Youth activists must ensure that these narratives change. They must engage in massive sensitization campaigns to ensure that narratives change,” he said.
Dr. Abubakar what really matters is someone who will take us back to blessed memory where we have that national unity, where we don’t feel bad about each other.
“Jonathan gave us that platform when he was the president. Jonathan is the only person that has the heart to tolerate whatsoever that comes towards him.
“Don’t forget he is the first sitting president in West Africa that lost an election and gladly called Mr. President to congratulate him. So, we need people with forgiving hearts. People who can drive the economy to where it is supposed to be,” he stated.
