The Northern Elders Forum has said that the northern region regrets voting President Bola Tinubu in the 2023 general elections.

The elders noted that the mistake of voting for the president who was the candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the 2023 outing has taught the north a lesson.

The forum recently came hard on the President when it lamented the growing insecurity across the country.

The elders said the recent abduction of Kuriga school children in Kaduna indicated that the present government has failed to protect Nigerians just few months in office.

In a chat with The Guardian on Tuesday, spokesperson of the forum, Abdul-Azeez Suleiman, said going forward, the region will now prioritise unity and consensus in selecting a candidate for the highest office in the land.

Recall that in the 2023 general elections, Tinubu polled a total of 8,794,726 total votes to be declared president.

The Northern region of North West, North East and North Central gave the president a combined votes of 5.4 million.

Responding to a question on the recent visit and donations by former Anambra Governor, Peter Obi to northern communities, Suleiman said: “The North made a mistake in voting Bola Tinubu to the presidency in 2023, and it is unlikely that they will repeat the same error in the future.

“They have learned from their past misstep and will strive to select a candidate who can unite the country and govern in the best interests of all Nigerians.

“Moving forward, the North will be more cautious in selecting a candidate for the presidency.

“They will prioritize someone who is seen as more inclusive, less controversial, and more aligned with the interests of all regions of the country.

“The mistake of supporting Tinubu in 2023 has taught them the importance of unity and consensus in selecting a candidate for the highest office in the land.” (The Guardian)

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