A pro-Tinubu group, Northern Nigerian Movement for Asiwaju 2023, has insisted on Plateau State governor and chairman of the Northern Governors Forum, Simon Lalong, as running mate to the APC presidential candidate, Tinubu, in the 2023 presidential poll.
The group made its position known in a statement signed by its national coordinator, Dr Mohammed Attahiru.
Giving what it termed cogent reasons why Lalong was the best bet for the VP slot, the group pointed out that one factor that will brighten the chances of Tinubu in the 2023 contest is the choice of his running mate, saying, such decision must be taken carefully by party leaders and stakeholders.
Attahiru said, “Tinubu is deeply rooted in Nigeria’s political firmament and has great followership and acceptance across the country.
“There is every need for leaders and critical stakeholders of the ruling party to be more meticulous, strategic and circumspect in arriving at the choice of running mate for Tinubu.
“Tinubu himself appears to know the implications of the choice of running mate as he goes into the crucial presidential election of 2023, hence, the reason he is taking his time to get it right.”
The group maintained that one person that would be a masterstroke and game changer for Tinubu when it comes to the choice of running mate is the Plateau State governor.
It noted: “Lalong is a quintessential and grassroots politician who will be a worthy and right running mate for Asiwaju Bola Tinubu for many reasons.
“Lalong, who is the Chairman of the Northern Governors Forum was able to galvanized and rally all his colleagues from the North to insist on power shift to the South.
“He was instrumental in seeing to it that the Aso Rock cabals who were bent on foisting the Senate President, Ahmad Lawan on the party as flag bearer did not succeed , thus, paving the way for the seamless emergence of Tinubu at the convention in Abuja.
“The last minute intervention of the Lalong-led NGF changed the equation in favour of Asiwaju Bola Tinubu. It will be a good thing to reciprocate this kind gesture of Governor Lalong by making him the running mate to Tinubu. After all, one good turn, they say deserves another”.
The group further described Lalong someone with a detrabalised posture and religious tolerance.
