The call was made by Arewa Youth Consultative Forum ahead of the 2023 general election.

The group stated the National Leader of the All Progressives Congress, Bola Tinubu, must retire from politics because of his old age as he might not manage the intricacies and challenges of leading a country such as Nigeria.

The AYCF National leader, Yerima Shettima, stated this in an interview with SaharaReporters on Sunday.

Shettima included that Tinubu must be pleased with the role of grooming young brilliant minds to take control of the affairs of the nation as Nigeria required to be positive, not to “recycle old hands.”

The Arewa leader stated, “Well, I’m not in a position to say precisely how old Tinubu is, since his age has actually been the subject of debate for many years. Going by the most current trends on the worldwide democratic space, I question if he is nimble and still young sufficient to cope with the challenge of modern-day governance.

“With due regard to Asiwaju, I see no harm if he retires from politics since he was governor and a Senator many years ago. You see, I think that Nigeria’s management ought to be about mentoring kids to take over from the old brigade and not recycling the old hands.

“Moreover, the Asiwaju is already an accomplished citizen and must be content with the position of a guardian to young generation as we’ve seen him do since 2015.”

When inquired about the position of Hakeem Baba-Ahmed, Northern Elders Forum’s spokesperson said it did not matter if the next President after President Muhammadu Buhari came from the North.

He stated, “We must de-emphasise geographical location and stick to bulk or minority. These are the 2 components, around which our analysis must revolve. I do not think democracy has to do with ethnic background, religion or geographical location and I believe that this is point of argument by the Northern Elders Forum. The genuine justice, equity and balance under the democratic system as all of us understand is when the bulk have their way and minority have their say.

“This has actually been the reality is democracy was born, some 200 years back. Without prejudice to the right of all Nigerians to contest for the presidential seat, this need to not blind us to the location of bulk and minority in the democratic process. I tend to concur with the position of NEF on this basis.”

On the clamour for Igbo 2023 presidency, Shettima added, “Well, my position is that the Igbos, like other Nigerians are complimentary to object to the nation’s presidency however the citizens book the right to select the prospect they want. I have the sensation that by their design of method to present day Nigerian politics, they have plenty of avoidable mistakes.”

ToriNG