APC youth groups and stakeholders in the 19 northern states yesterday said they were settling for executive secretary of the Nigerian Christian Pilgrims Commission, Rev Yakubu Pam, as their preferred running mate to Tinubu.
The groups which made this known yesterday at a press conference in Abuja said they came to the conclusion to zone the ticket to the middle-belt and subsequently settled for Pam after an exhaustive consultation for the purpose of equity, justice and fairness.
According to a statement signed by its convener, Alhaji Abubakar Isah, and secretary, Mutazu Kabiru Adamu and the heads of the 19 northern states, the groups said the choice of North Central is strategic and a reward for its critical role in the country during elections.
On the reason for backing Pam, the APC youths and stakeholders said the respected Christian cleric is a bridge builder with an extensive network in Northern Nigeria.
They stated that Pam is viewed as a trusted ally who has not failed to exhibit sincerity of heart and purpose in his assignment geared towards peaceful coexistence and mutual understanding among the various religious and ethnic groupings.
The APC youths said, “We believe such a move it’s not only to reward the north central for its loyalty and cooperation with the rest of the north west but, also the fact that the North Central parades one of the best brains to galvanize the much needed stakeholders’ cooperation in the northern part of the country.
“Consequently the unanimous endorsement of Rev Yakubu Pam is an indication of his level of acceptance in the North West owing to his sterling track record in service and his numerous contributions to peace and tranquility in Northern Nigeria and the country at large.
“Rev Yakubu Pam indeed has garnered administrative experience that spans decades in active service to the country and humanity. This much has been evident in the numerous positions of authority he occupied that includes but not limited to the Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria in the 19 Northern states, to mention but a few.
“The 19 Northern APC Youth Groups and Stakeholders Forum wishes to use this medium to place it on record that the choice of Rev Yakubu Pam as the vice presidential candidate of the APC would indeed bring the needed balance and harmony the party requires to coast to victory at the presidential elections.
“Rev Yakubu Pam is a bridge builder with an extensive network in Northern Nigeria. He is viewed as a trusted ally who hasn’t failed to exhibit sincerity of heart and purpose in his assignment geared towards peaceful coexistence and mutual understanding amongst the various religious and ethnic groupings.
“He also presents a strong credential of loyalty, dedication and patriotism, which in our considered opinion is a functional criteria needed for the Office of the Vice President given the sensitivity of the office.”
Accordingly, the youth groups called on the Progressive Governors Forum to in “good conscience support the nomination of Rev Yakubu Pam as the vice presidential candidate of the APC.
“This is on the heels that he is from the north central, he is young and energetic; he is a man of repute and character, whose acceptability cuts across religion and ethnicity,” they added.
