Abdul-Azeez Suleiman, the spokesperson for the Coalition of Northern Groups (CNG), raised concerns on Thursday regarding an alleged plot by influential forces to undermine the upcoming presidential election scheduled for February 25. Speaking at a press conference in Abuja, Suleiman revealed that the coalition possesses credible intelligence indicating a grand plan to create chaos in the country before, during, and after the elections.
Suleiman highlighted several factors contributing to this troubling situation. He pointed out the recent ratification and aggressive implementation of harsh economic and financial policies, which have inflicted significant hardship on the electorate and intensified political tensions just weeks before the election. He further noted that the ongoing fuel scarcity is disrupting daily activities and frustrating the population, posing a potential threat to a peaceful electoral process.
Additionally, Suleiman expressed concerns over the Central Bank of Nigeria’s (CBN) decision to implement a naira exchange policy, which has resulted in a scarcity of the new currency. He criticized the timing of this policy, especially in a country with a limited number of bank branches—5,437 in total, with a disproportionate concentration in Lagos and other southern states compared to the northern states. This, he argued, appears to be a calculated effort to sow confusion that could jeopardize the integrity of the 2023 elections.
The CNG also condemned the CBN’s refusal to extend the January 31 deadline for the currency exchange, despite calls for a six-month extension from the Nigerian Senate, the House of Representatives, and the Nigerian Governors Forum. This hardline stance has only heightened suspicions regarding the intentions behind these policies.
In light of these developments, the CNG urged President Muhammadu Buhari to take a stand against any actions that could compromise the conduct of credible elections and a peaceful transfer of power. The organization also encouraged Nigerians to remain steadfast and not be discouraged from exercising their right to vote in the upcoming election.
Comments are closed for this story.