The Coalition of Northern Groups (CNG) has advised Nigerians, particularly the electorate in the northern part of the country, to vote for a credible presidential candidate who has proven pedigree, honesty, integrity and a sense of nationalism.
Jamilu Aliyu, the national coordinator of the coalition, gave the advice at the 2023 Election Sensitisation and Awareness Youths Conference it organised on Wednesday in Jos.
He said that the northern electorate must map out their needs and resist attempts to be deceived by politician who usually make fake campaign promises to the people.
He advised the people to vote persons with sound and deeper understanding of the current challenges facing the northern region in particular and Nigeria at large.
“In the 2023 general elections, I call on the youths, the women and all well-meaning Nigerians to avoid politics of bitterness, religious sentiments, sectionalism and nepotism.
“We must ensure that the criteria for voting any person is based on character, capacity, competence, skills, knowledge of the economy and commitment to a united and prosperous Nigeria,” he said.
Aliyu said that the choice of “Politics of Sentiments, a Critical Factor Militating Development of Democracy in Nigeria” as theme of the conference, aimed at engaging the youths to retrace their steps and refocus their energies on the task of nation-building.
“The crux of the matter is that electorate must map out their needs and refuse to be deceived by just any politician coming with the usual campaign promises that would never be fulfilled.
“The northern voters in particular must look out for credible candidates with proven pedigrees, honesty, a sense of nationalism and a sound understanding of the current challenges facing the region.
“We must vigilantly subject every candidate to critical scrutiny by demanding from him a comprehensive plan of action and extracting solid commitment to reverse the situation for the better,” he advised.
Mr Dung Dalyop, the Plateau Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development, described the workshop as timely, adding the youths consist of 70 per cent of the population, hence there is need to engage them to channel their energies properly toward a better Nigeria.
Dalyop who commended the organisers of the event, also noted that young people had the capacity to unite Nigerians for the greater good of all.
Benson Yohanna, the coordinator of the coalition in Plateau, said that the event aimed at creating awareness toward making young people focus their attention on credible candidates ahead of the 2023 general elections.
The event had youth from the 17 local government areas of Plateau, women groups, political and religious leaders as participants
