Dogara’s northern Christian group declares support for Atiku

A group of Northern Christians, led by Yakubu Dogara, former Speaker of the House of Representatives, has thrown its weight behind Atiku Abubakar’s presidential bid.

The group, under the auspices of the Northern Leaders Consultative Forum (NLCF), made the disclosure on Friday in Abuja.

Atiku, who is the presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), has Delta State Governor Ifeanyi Okowa as his running mate.

But the All Progressives Congress (APC) has Bola Tinubu and Kashim Shetima, both Muslims, on the presidential ticket, prompting protests from some leaders of the APC Christian faith in the North.

The Northern Christian group’s protest was led by Mr. Dogara and a former Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Babachir Lawal, who expressed their support for the Labor Party’s presidential candidate, Peter Obi.

Mr. Lawal had on November 24 accepted the candidacy of Mr. Obi, provoking the disapproval of Mr. Dogara.

PREMIUM TIMES he disclosed that Mr. Lawal’s support to Mr. Obi was based on reasons “Obi/Datti will give us a breath of fresh air and give us the best chance to liberate our country from the soil into which we have been sunk by a repetitive group of reactionaries.”

On Friday, the Mr. Dogara-led NLCF endorsed Mr. Abubakar at a meeting in Abuja.

How was Atiku taken?

The NLCF said it considered and accepted the recommendations contained in a report by the Northern Leaders Technical Criteria Committee (NLTCC) chaired by Kumalia Mohammed, with Mela Nunge as secretary.

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Presenting the report to the meeting, former Deputy Governor of Kogi State, Simon Achuba, said the NLTCC was formed to look at the options of the four major political parties and recommend which ones to support.

Mr. Achuba said the four political parties – APC, PDP, Labor Party (LP) and New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) – were considered based on their ability to create national cohesion.

The report, while recommending the choice of the PDP, by all indications, the PDP “seems to be above all criteria”.

“It is a nationalist expansion, even if it is not free from internal crisis, like every other political party.

“If he keeps his aggressive mind, he will be a side to be reckoned with.

“From the above assessment and analysis, it is evident that APC is headed for implosion and demise; therefore, it cannot be a party now and in the future because it refuses to accept inclusiveness in a diverse country like Nigeria.

“After the 2023 election, APC may be dead and buried as a political party.

“While the NNPP and LP duo may be strong contenders in the political arena in the future, from all indications, PDP seems to be the best option to adopt and support.

“All that is needed is to sustain and face the problems and challenges that this country faces.

“Undoubtedly, with proper consultation and inclusive appointments, keeping in mind the principles of the Federal Character, honestly considering diverse issues like religious affiliation, geographical location and ethnic identity, many believe that justice, fairness and equity will be enhanced.

“After careful evaluation of all the issues highlighted above, we recommend all democracy lovers in Nigeria to support the PDP for the 2023 presidential election.

“However, all this would require the party’s guarantee to run an internal government, the details of which will be discussed with the party leadership in the near future.”

After hearing input from some members of the group, including former Sokoto State Deputy Governor Muktar Shagari, the meeting endorsed Atiku.

Mr. Dogara said his group’s support for Atiku “is to ensure equity and promote peaceful coexistence in the country.”