25th June, 2010
Northern-based group under aegis of Patriotic Agenda rose from an emergency in Kaduna with a resolve that the north must produce the president in 2011.
The group condemned those who are opposing power rotation among the geopolitical zones in the country, and vowed to ensure that power returns to the north.
The group, which draws its membership from the 19 northern states, described those clamouring for merit and performance as criteria for electing president as unpatriotic Nigerians, who want the country to be politically unstable.
Speaking to P.M.News after a meeting held at Tafawa Balewa Guest Inn, Kaduna , Chairman of the group, Alhaji Abubakar Mahadi maintained that the North must be allowed to complete its eight-year term which was interrupted by the death of President Umaru Yar’Adua, before anyone thinks of contesting.
Mahadi also said since it was zoning that produced late MKO Abiola as winner of June 12, 1993 election and when he died,former President Olusegun Obasanjo as winner of 1999 election, took over power for the sake of stability then, the north should be allowed to complete its term.
He emphasized that denying north power in 2011 would amount to betrayal and insincerity on part of anti-zoning proponents.
Mahadi, however, said they are not saying President Goodluck Jonathan should not contest in 2011, but on 1993 and 1994 agreements they stand.
—Femi Adi/ Kaduna
