A coalition of four political pressure groups have written to the national leadership of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), detailing why the party should give its presidential ticket to former President of the Senate, Bukola Saraki, who its observed is best placed to provide the desired leadership to Nigeria at this time.
In the message to party leaders made available to the media in Abuja on Sunday, the coalition chronicled the challenges facing Nigeria and how poverty of ideas on the part of leaders led it to the situation.
It was signed by Alexander Gbenga Obisesan (The Nigerian Group), Obiora Omeje (Movement for Sustainable Leadership), Comrade Rasaq Abata (BS2023 Project), and Musa Ordience Gashu’a (Saraki. Alheri ne_2023).
According the group, the country is going through a destructive storm and does not requires a captain who is incapable of managing navigational equipment.
It observed that rather, Nigerians are troubled and in urgent need of a leader that can rescue the ship despite the agitations for zoning, saying that while it is not against power rotation, Saraki presents the best chance to rescue the country.
The group maintained: “Dr Saraki represents the Confluence of Politics in Nigeria. While Nigeria’s geographical location has put him in the middle and central of the country, he has been able to live personally above our fault lines. To him, faith is personal and service in general.
“The makeup of Saraki is beautiful for Nigeria. Saraki can speak to the North and South without any mutual suspicion. He is that leader that Nigerians can trust to give us an inclusive government of National Unity and Stability. We cannot address security and economic challenges if we do not have a leader who can unite us and be seen to be fair to all.
“Preparedness for leadership is a great virtue. Saraki is prepared. He has consistently demonstrated leadership in defence of our nation: as the President of the Senate (2015-2019), he championed economic reform, energy reform, electoral reform and security sector reform.
“Those who ignored his reforms out of political sentiment have realised they made some terrible mistakes. In his private capacity, he has convened several conversations and dialogues to engage Nigerians in problem-solving. His strategy document is exceptional.
“Arguably, Saraki is one person in the race to become Nigeria’s President who cannot be tarred with the divisive sentiments that undermine our unity. He is the choice of Nigerian Youths, Women and People Living With Disabilities. He consults and does not discriminate.
“We recommend him to the PDP leadership, members and delegates for an independent assessment and scrutiny. Make him the choice of the PDP and Nigerians for a Special Purpose Leadership.
“Dr Saraki is not perfect; he has his flaws and has made his honest mistakes, too, like every good leader. But he is arguably the most improved Nigerian politician we know.
“He ticks many boxes as a suitable personality that qualifies as The Nigerian President – a President of Nigerian extraction. Give him a chance, PDP.
We urge you to let us reason together.”
On zoning, the group affirmed: “However, we do not seek to dismiss the call for zoning or rotation; we have only come forward to enrich the discourse with a viable alternative. The beauty of options makes a better society.”
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