Elder statesman Tanko Yakasai has issued a warning ahead of the 2023 general elections regarding rumours that several northern presidential contenders are planning to establish a united front against Bola Tinubu, the APC’s presidential nominee.
In a statement headlined “Appeal to all Nigerians to maintain peace and serenity in the coming general elections,” the politician from the second republic claimed that such an alleged gang-up against Tinubu from a segment of the country portends danger for the country’s democracy.
The full text of the statement, which PlatinumPost’s journalist was able to obtain, is as follows: “I’m alarmed by claims I’ve seen on social media that a group of Northern contenders will join to challenge Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the APC’s presidential nomination in the upcoming elections. This would be a risky and contentious move that might jeopardise the harmony of our country.
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The spirit of our constitution, which guarantees freedom of opinion and association, is violated when people come together to oppose a candidate from a different region, ethnicity, or religion. In addition, doing so runs the risk of inciting retaliation from the afflicted region. This might trigger behaviours that endanger the peace and harmony of our nation and its citizens. The person who made this decision will be branded as a sworn opponent of the advancement of our country and its people.
“We cannot allow egotistical politicians to compromise the harmony and cooperation that exist in our nation. I implore everyone thinking about making such a decision to think carefully about the dire effects it might have on our country.
Elections come and go, but we must act responsibly and refrain from taking any steps that can send our country into a protracted crisis. The catastrophe that occurred in the Democratic Republic of the Congo as a result of the foolish misadventure led by Mois Chambe, Kasabubu, and Mabutu serves as a warning about the consequences of reckless leadership.
“I make a call to leaders of conscience, including traditional and religious authorities, to back my call for cooperation and step in before things get out of hand.
” Long live the Federal Republic of Nigeria.”
