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A group fronting
for Bukola Saraki, the Governor of Kwara State, has written the
Northern Leaders Political Forum (NLPF) asking it to narrow its search
for a northern consensus presidential candidate to Mr Saraki, who is
“young, yet fairly old.”

The Saraki National
Vanguard, which is spearheading Mr Saraki’s shot at the presidency next
year, upped its canvassing in a letter addressed to the leader of the
NLPF, Adamu Ciroma, arguing that such a choice will “marry the old
order and the new order.” “The dichotomy that has existed between the
retiring political blocks and the emerging blocks, Abubakar Bukola
Saraki could graciously and creditably serve to mend the bridge,” the
letter stated.

Mr Ciroma’s forum
has yet to reach a common agreement on the much talked-about consensus
candidate amongst the lot of Mr Saraki, a second term governor; former
military ruler, Ibrahim Babangida; former Vice President, Atiku
Abubakar; former National Security Adviser, Aliyu Gusau; and the only
female contestant, Sarah Jibril. Despite several weeks of meetings and
consultations, analysts are saying reticence on the part of the
candidates is leaving greater doubt about its workability.

The right mix

The Saraki National
Vanguard, in the letter signed by its national coordinator, Bodunrin
Oriade, said its candidate provides the needed qualities and he should
be chosen ahead of other contenders. “It will be recalled that as
chairman of NGF, Abubakar Bukola Saraki displayed an uncanny wisdom and
courage to weather the storm and tension that was generated during the
unfortunate illness of our late president, Alhaji Umaru Musa Yar’Adua,”
it said, adding that the governor is “fresh and young, yet fairly old
and experienced.”

Mr Saraki faces opposition on his home front, with other groups in
Kwara State asking that he be dropped for non-performance while in
office as the governor. His supporters, however appealed to Mr Ciroma
and his committee to consider merit above other factors and select Mr
Saraki as a leader that will be “acceptable to Nigerians from all walks
of life.” “As the northern leaders convene to select a consensus
candidate for the number one job, we appeal to our elders, traditional
rulers, political stakeholders to be objective, broad minded and
courageous in nominating an individual that can truly be acceptable to
Nigerians across board. We believe Saraki is that person,” Mr Oriade.