Northern elders list traits the next Nigerian leader should have

The Northern Elders Forum (NEF) has advised Nigerians to vote for candidates who are competent and have the capacity to rule.

The group said voters must not rely on sentiments while ignoring the most important thing.

According to the chairman, Prof Ango Abdullahi, Nigerians must jettison ethnicity in deciding candidates to vote for in 2023.

He made this known unbehalf of the group in a town hall meeting in Kaduna and was represented by the spokesperson of NEF, Dr Hakeem Baba Ahmed.

He stressed that the 2023 elections would show if Nigerians are determined to fight for the country.

“2023 election is going to test whether Nigerians are willing to fight for their country now or they are going to profoundly solve the problems of this country.

“Don’t vote for anybody on sentiment. For the sake of our future and for the sake of our grandchildren, let us save this country, we must vote.

“It is irresponsible to vote for somebody because he bears your ethnic identity, vote for competency and capacity,” he said.

He charged the government to ensure adequate security to enable Nigerians vote for their candidates.

“Where there are security issues that are preventing you from voting, the government must secure the people so that they can go and vote and we must vote for the right people,” he added.