A Coalition of Civil Society groups known as Concerned Groups on Power Shift to the South has emphasized the need for younger candidates to emerge in the forthcoming general elections slated for the year 2023.
The group also demanded that power should return to the southern part of Nigeria, noting that this would promote continued corporate existence and unity in country.
Speaking on behalf of the group at a media briefing in Abuja, the National Coordinator, Southwest development frontiers, Femi Osabinu harped on the need for power to shift to the south in order to help heal the old wounds the nation has acquired over the years.
The group further called on former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, to step down his ambition to contest the office of President in the 2023 General Elections.
According to the group, It is a well known fact that Abubakar has served the nation with distinction at various levels to the highest of a Vice President, it is however required of him to now take the back seat and play the role of an elder statesman.
The group asserted that “His role going forward, should be of providing guidance to the younger ones across ethnic, religious and partisan divisions to help build consensus of what Nigeria should be and how she ought to go about all she can be in the comity of nations”.
“It is also undeniable that a 77years of age going into this race, it will be a mismatch of national priorities to support his quest”
“Nigeria needs a young and more energetic unifier, who will be able to handle the rigors of being physically present in crisis spots and finding lasting solutions to national challenges” the group posited.
The Coalition of concerned groups maintained that it was time for a new school of thought to guide Nigeria in the appropriate direction that is befitting of the 21st century society.
The Coalition which cuts across the Middle Belt network, North 4 North support group for Atiku, Turaki Area Vanguard for Atiku, also called on Political parties interested in National unity in 2023 to do the needful and zone the Presidency to the Southern region of the country.
The group was of the view that those who have benefitted from Nigeria must pay back by allowing national interest to override their personal interest.
The group consequently explained that it’s demand is not an attempt to malign the character of any individual but a patriotic call based on the most desired needs of the nation at this critical time.
