Northern Elders Forum says Nigeria cannot afford another tribal leader like Buhari in 2023

PAN-cultural group the Northern Elders Forum (Nef) has warned that Nigeria cannot afford to elect another tribalistic leader like President Muhammadu Buhari come 2023 as it would be too much a strain on the nation.

Since being elected in 2015, President Buhari has come in for a lot of criticism over his perceived nepotism with regards to his appointments. Apart from being criticised for his lopsided appointments seen as overtly favouring northerners, President Buhari is also accused of failing to deal decisively with northern terror groups such as Boko Haram, Fulani cattle herdsmen, armed bandits and the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria.

Speaking on Arise TV’s The Morning Show’ breakfast programme, Nef spokesman Dr Hakeem Baba-Ahmed, said Nigeria needs a president who will act in the opposite direction to Buhari. He also disclosed that some Nigerians including those within the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) are not happy with President Buhari.

Dr Baba-Ahmed said: “The nation needs a leader that would do the things that President Buhari hasn’t done. Create inclusiveness, address resentment and frustration in other parts of the country and in the north and speak and act for everybody.”