Fulani Political Forum, under the umbrella of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN), has hinted that it may threw its weight behind former Lagos State Governor, Ahmed Tinubu in the 2023 presidential election.
Tinubu, a national leader of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), has formerly announced his interest to vie for the country’s topmost position.
The group noted that Tinubu had identified with them in their most trying times, citing their crises in Benue and Lagos, adding that such a leader deserved their support.
Speaking during the meeting of the body at the Agricultural and Rural Management Training Institute, Abuja, Chairman of the Jigawa chapter of MACBAN, Alhaji Ya’u Haruna said members were now more politically conscious and would prove same during the coming Nigeria elections.
He noted that the body has embarked on public enlightment campaign to educated members on the need to participate fully in politics ahead of 2023 general election.
He said because of the effort, many Fulani people of 18 years of age and above were able to register and secured their Permanent Voters Cards and are waiting to exercise their franchise in 2023.
Haruna noted that people of the Fulani extraction in Nigeria were now seen as criminals and terrorists even though only a few engaged in such activities.
He said,”Most of our grazing reserves have been taken over by those in power, to get these back, we have to also join politics and even contest for elective positions.
“Already and following our effort in sensitizing our people, many now have their PVC cards and are only waiting for the election time.
“We are also scanning the people showing interest in the presidential seat with Bola Tinubu leading because he was the one that intervened in our matter while he was governor of Lagos and we had crisis in Benue.
“Tinubu came all the way, got us on a round table and reconciled us, so, someone who could do this at that time, we believe can do more when he is at the helms of affairs,” Haruna noted.
He assured that consultations would continue among the Fulanis to see that peace is fully achieved and that his clansmen are treated with the dignity they deserved.
“We are not in any way saying there are no criminals that engage in kidnapping, cattle rustling, banditry and other crimes, but it must also be known that a larger percentage of our people live peacefully and conducting their legitimate businesses.
“We want to partner the federal, state governments and foreign donor organizations to establish schools so that our youth can be educated and put their knowledge to gainful use for national benefit,” he said.
