All is now set for the All Progressives Congress (APC) to announce a substantive presidential running mate from the North-central zone.
This is as 19 northern states’ APC youth groups and stakeholders, including North-west and North-east, have nominated the Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Christian Pilgrims Commission (NCPC), Rev Yakubu Pam as its preferred number 2 to Asiwaju Bola Tinubu.
The group, which made this known Thursday at a press conference in Abuja, said it 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; secretary, Hon Mutazu Kabiru Adamu and the heads of 19 states, the groups said the choice of North central is strategic, a reward for its critical role in the country during elections.
On its reason for backing Pam, the APC youth and stakeholders said the respected Christian cleric is a bridge builder with an extensive network in Northern Nigeria.
The group said 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.”
“We believe such a move is 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,” the statement said.
“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.”
