The North East Consultative Forum (NESF) in collaboration with five other groups Thursday rejected the candidacy of Senator Ahmed Lawan, instead endorsed Senator Danjuma Goje for the office of the Senate President.
The groups said they opted for the more experienced former governor and senator after a thorough assessment of the three contenders for the senate presidency from North-east region, saying that Goje would offer more than the duo of senators Lawan and Ali Ndume, who are equally aspiring for the post.
They appreciated the APC National Working Committee for zoning of the position to the geo-political zone, and added that it was a confirmation of the party’s commitment to reward hard work, following the zone’s contribution to the party’s victory in the just concluded general elections.
Rising from an emergency meeting held at the Zaranda Hotel, the groups including North East Elders Mobilisation Forum, APC National Youth Caucus, Borno Discussion Circle, Gombe Political Associations and North East Youth Awareness for good governance, urged Goje to immediately declare for the position.
Accordingly, the groups said it has written the All Progressives Congress (APC) national chairman, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole on their endorsement.
It further said the emergency meeting, which had attendance from the six states that made up the North-east geo-political zone, resolved that it would meet with and urge other contestants to rally round Goje to ensure that the zone does not lost position because of selfish contentions.
In the letter, dated April 17, titled: “North East stakeholders endorse Goje,” the conveners, Barrister Mustapha Saidu and Alhaji Bello Ambo, commended the APC for zoning the senate presidency to North-east.
“Following very wide consultations among stakeholders, party members and North East Consultative Forum and after careful assessment of his contribution to the party and Muhammadu Buhari’s led administration, we hereby present to you, Senator Muhammad Danjuma Goje as the choice of the people of the North-east for the senate president of the 9th senate,” they told Oshiomhole.
Describing Goje as the candidate of the North-east, they asked Oshiomhole to immediately review his position on Senator Ahmad Lawan whom he had earlier recommended for the position.
“Senator Goje is eminently respected among members of the National Assembly and the country for his immense contribution to the success of the APC in 2015 and 2019 general elections.
“The landslide victory of the APC in Gombe state in the just concluded general elections is a sure testimony of his gallantry, loyalty and commitment to the APC.
“It will serve the best interest of the party if Your Excellency and the party review your stance on the choice of Senator Ahmad Lawan and allow for a level playing field for all aspiring candidates from the North-east zone to showcase themselves to their colleagues.
“We, therefore, urge Senator Danjuma Goje to come forward and declare his interest to vie for the position of the President of the Senate in the ninth Assembly,” the groups said.
