The advice by former President Olusegun Obasanjo to President Muhammadu Buhari not to re-contest for the Presidency in the 2019 general election has began to attract scathing criticism.
In its reaction to the statement by the former president, the Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) warned Obasanjo not to decide for Buhari on whether or not to contest in 2019.
In the statement signed by its National Publicity Secretary, Muhammad Biu, the group which is made of elders from the northern part of the country said it was the right of Buhari to vote and be voted for.
The statement reads in part: “The statement credited to former President Obasanjo that President Buhari should not run in the 2019 election, it is his democratic right to express his view like any other Nigerian on all issues, including democracy.
“However, it is President Buhari’s prerogative and that of his party to decide on whether to re-contest or not.”
Obasanjo had earlier in the day issued a statement criticizing President Buhari’s administration, emphasising that it had not been able to create the needed change to make life better for Nigerians.
Giving different reasons why Nigeria would not grow under Buhari’s administration, he said it was in the interest of the generality of Nigerians for him not to re-contest.
Also advancing Buhari’s health issue as an excuse, he said he needed to rest and not be allowed to be pushed on by politicians who are all out for their personal benefits.
