Northern Elders Congratulate Buhari

The Northern Elders Forum, known as Kungiyar Dattawan Arewa Initiative (KDAI), has congratulated President Muhammadu Buhari, on his “resounding victory” in the February 23 presidential election, describing the spread of his votes as a vote of confidence in his ability to deliver on promises made to the electorate.

The KDAI  stated this in a joint statement by its Convener, General Paul Tarfa and the Deputy Convener, Mr Sani Daura, on Friday in Abuja.

The association said that the election, which was generally adjudged to be free, fair and peaceful, marked a significant milestone in Nigeria’s democratic journey which started in 1999.

“Its outcome in terms of majority votes and national spread is the first of its kind in the political history of Nigeria.

“The national spread across the regions, parties, religion and tribe is far in excess of the mandatory constitutional requirement of the two-third of the votes cast in all states and the FCT.

“This is a clear vote confidence in Mr President and his ability to deliver on promises made to the electorate, be it the economy, unflinching fight against graft and security, among others.”

It acknowledged with satisfaction, the African Union and Global community’s recognition of Buhari’s tireless efforts towards making Nigeria politically stable, socially harmonious, and economically developed nation, thereby earning the nation the much-needed respect in the comity of nations.

Tha association said it was in view of the achievements inter that the Nigerian voters, mostly the masses, came out in their millions to endorse Buhari.

It said this was “in spite of circles of endorsements, elites’ gang-up, spread of fake news, and social media propaganda”.

It expressed optimism that Buhari would use his re-election to steer the ship of the nation to the next level where poverty and lack of critical infrastructure for development would be a thing of the past.

While also congratulating the opposition parties on a well contested elections, it called on all the stakeholders in the Nigerian Project to accept defeat in good faith in the spirit of politics without bitterness.

He also urged them to join hands with Mr President who was magnanimous in victory, for an inclusive government where all talents would be tapped, to address recently evolving challenges of education, insecurity and drug addiction in the youths

While commending Nigerian voters for electing Buhari, it urged the President to remain focused in his determined commitment to uplift the nation to the next level of achievements.