ATIKU ABUBAKAR @AREWA HOUSE, KADUNA, By Ehigie Uzamere

We are busy analysing what Atiku said or did not say at AREWA CONSULTATIVE SESSION WITH PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATES. In other words, the North is interrogating the presidential candidates to know what they have in their programme for the North. The North has started planning for 2023. They have started negotiating Northern interests ahead of other regions. They are weighing their odds to know which presidential candidate to throw their weight behind. It is not only Atiku that they will interrogate, but all other presidential candidates.

When will Ohaneze nd’Igbo and Afenifere organise such an interrogative session? Atiku Abubakar said much more than we have bothered to listen to, at that event. He talked about his 5-point agenda. He talked about the vexatious herding of cattle. He talked about restructuring our country.

Who was Atiku’s audience? Northerners. What was the question posed by a Northern elder, Hakeem Baba-Ahmed, Datti Baba-Ahmed’s (Vice-Presidential candidate, Labour Party) senior brother? *”Speak to us as Northerners. Tell us why the North should vote for you. What will be in your leadership for the North?”* I’m aghast what other response Atiku would have given his kith and kin. Would he have told them he would not look out for their interests? Why was he in their midst, if not to solicit their support.

What do you think would be Peter Obi’s response or Tinubu’s response before their people in a similar situation. They will reassure their kith kin of protecting their ethnic interests.

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Unfortunately, the 2023 presidential election seems to be about the 3 major tribes. The candidate who garners the overall highest number of votes cast, and with 25% win in ⅔ of the 36 States and the FCT, will emerge our next president. Democratic elections are based purely on numbers.

We pray for the best, and the best is Atiku Abubakar.

I remain,

Senator Ehigie Uzamere