…Group rules out supporting any candidate above 60-yrs
The frontline group of youth in Northern Nigeria, Arewa Youth Consultative Forum, (AYCF), has submitted that Nigeria will keep producing leaders who have nothing to offer unless the country is restructured.
This is just as the group ruled out supporting any candidate above 60 years ahead of the 2023 general elections, saying it will pitch a tent for a younger candidate.
President of the AYCF, Ambassador Yerima Shettima, disclosed this while addressing a press conference over the weekend in Kaduna.
Shettima noted that the AYCF would lend its voice to the use of a referendum to test the popularity of agitations for separation.
“We are of the view that a room for the referendum should be created. Those agitating for secession should be allowed to have a referendum, let’s see how popular the agitations are. If any part of the country wants to go, let them organise a referendum and let’s see how popular they are, so that separation can take place without bloodshed”, he advised.
He, however, noted that the AYCF is yet to decide on a candidate of its choice and said it will put several factors before pitching tents.
Though he did not mention names of any politician, the age limit pegged above 60 rules out some top contenders like former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar and ex-Lagos State governor, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
Shettima stressed that although it is too early to pitch tents, AYCF will only back those who are committed to good governance.
He said his ultimate desire is to be alive and witness a Nigeria that works for everyone when power is decentralised.
