Muhammad Yakubu, a chieftain of the Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF), has declared that the Peoples Democratic Party’s presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, is the endorsed choice of the North for Saturday’s election. The ACF, through its Secretary‑General Murtala Aliyu, issued a statement on Sunday urging northerners and all Nigerians to vote for the candidate of their choice, emphasizing the need for clear party manifestos and the candidates’ character and track records.
Speaking at a press conference on Monday at the ACF Secretariat on 11 A Sokoto Road in Kaduna, Yakubu—who also serves as the Forum’s National Assistant Auditor—cited recent statements by prominent northern elders such as Alhaji Zango Daura and Prof. Ango Abdullahi. He said these leaders have effectively settled the region’s support behind Atiku. As the convener of the Atiku/Okowa Patriots, Yakubu stressed that the North backs Atiku not because he is a northerner, but because of his capacity and experience to lead the country forward.
“The ACF was created to protect northern interests,” Yakubu explained. “Our elders—Alhaji Sani Zango Daura, Prof. Ango Abdullahi, among others—have given us clear direction: Atiku is the candidate of the North, and that is the path we will follow. This is the candidate the majority of northerners will vote for.” He added that he was holding the press conference to address any further questions and reiterated his role as National Convener of the Atiku/Okowa Patriots.
When asked about reports that the ACF’s Secretary‑General had claimed the Forum supported a rotational presidency, Yakubu denied the allegation. “That is not true,” he said. “The ACF has never met to make such a decision. Only the National Executive Council or the National Working Committee could do that, and neither body has convened. Either the press misrepresented the Secretary‑General’s remarks, or some individuals fabricated the story.”
Regarding the ACF’s overall stance, Yakubu affirmed that the Forum’s purpose is to safeguard northern interests. “The north has historically supported candidates based on capacity, competence, and integrity, not merely regional origin. We backed Obasanjo, and he won; we supported former President Goodluck Jonathan, and he won. Today, among the current candidates, Atiku stands out for his capacity, competence, integrity, and nationwide reach.”
Comments are closed for this story.