The Northern Elders Forum (NEF) has come hard on the Afenifere leader, Chief Ayo Adebanjo over a statement credited to him concerning the Labour Party (LP) Presidential candidate, Mr. Peter Obi, and the February 25 presidential election.
The group in a statement by its Director of Publicity and Advocacy, Dr. Hakeem Baba-Ahmed, described a recent comment by the Afenifere leader as “irresponsible and condemnable.”
Adebanjo, while recently campaigning for the LP presidential candidate, said if Obi failed to win the February 2023 presidential election, it would be the end of Nigeria.
NEF said “it is the worst thing that can be said in promoting a candidate, but that is the business of the candidate. We do not believe that Chief Adebanjo’s reckless outburst reflects the quality or essence of the Obi/Datti ticket.”
NEF, therefore, advised Chief Adebanjo to attempt to behave more responsibly, adding that the elections would not be won by threats and insults.
“Nigerians will not be scared from exercising their choices freely. The unity and survival of Nigeria are not dependent on politicians who think they can intimidate citizens, or instigate actions that will subvert a credible election and a peaceful transition to the next administration,” he said.
NEF appealed to leaders, elders, politicians and the authorities to resist inciting particularly young Nigerians who are more gullible and exposed to dangerous rhetoric.
“If there are Nigerians with any influence over Chief Adebanjo, they should advise him to show respect for his age and all the advantages he enjoys from being a Nigerian,” he stated.
