…By Larry John for TDPel Media.
The Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) has officially denied reports claiming its endorsement of former Abia governor Senator Orji Uzor Kalu as the preferred candidate for the Senate Presidency of the 10th National Assembly.
Alhaji Musa Saidu, a member of the forum, addressed the issue in a statement released on Monday in Abuja.
Discrediting Alleged AYCF Support
Alhaji Musa Saidu clarified that the statement attributed to Alhaji Yerima Shettima, leader of the Arewa Youth Conservative Forum (AYCF), alleging ACF’s support for Kalu is false.
Saidu emphasized that the ACF does not have a youth wing, and there was never a meeting to appoint Shettima as the AYCF leader.
ACF’s Preference for Northern Zone
According to Saidu, the ACF, given its significant contribution to President Bola Tinubu’s victory in the February 25 election, prefers the Senate Presidency to be zoned to the North.
He highlighted that the North contributed the highest votes for Tinubu, and endorsing candidates from other zones would contradict their support for Tinubu’s presidency.
Dissatisfaction with Vice-President Position
Expressing dissatisfaction, Saidu described the Vice-President position assigned to the North as having little value, comparing it to a spare tire.
He claimed that the position is widely known to lack significant influence and importance.
Call for Fairness and Consideration of Senator Abdulaziz Yari
Saidu concluded that, in the interest of fairness and justice, the North should be given due consideration for the Senate Presidency.
He proposed Senator Abdulaziz Yari as a suitable candidate for the position, emphasizing the need for equal representation and recognition of the North’s contribution to national politics.
Conclusion:
The Arewa Consultative Forum has firmly refuted claims of endorsing Orji Uzor Kalu for the Senate Presidency and called for the North to be considered for the position.
They expressed their preference for a Northern candidate, citing the North’s significant support for President Bola Tinubu in the recent election.
Furthermore, they voiced dissatisfaction with the Vice-President position assigned to the North, describing it as having little value. In the interest of fairness and justice, the ACF suggested Senator Abdulaziz Yari as a suitable candidate for the Senate Presidency.