ACF Warns GEJ, PDP, Over Recent Comment On Election

The Arewa Consultative Forum, ACF, has warned President Goodluck Jonathan and the ruling Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, over their comments on the forthcoming elections.

Goodluck Jonathan

A member of the group who is an elder statesman, Ibrahim Babankowa, who gave the warning, said the remarks attributed to Mr. President and his party in the media over the 2015 general election has dampened the expectation for credible elections.


The National Mirror reports that Babankowa who spoke in Kano on Sunday said the 2015 general election has been compromised following comments by President Jonathan and the PDP.
According to him, the President was reported in the media to have said; “he would not pass the baton of power to the opposition.”

The elder statesman condemned the statement, especially as it is coming from a man that has benefited so much from the system.

Babankowa, who is also a traditional leader, holding the title of ‘Walin Ringim’ said the summary of the unwarranted outburst from the president, his wife and party over the forthcoming general elections points clearly to a confusion that has sparked desperation on the side of those who should strive to keep peace

He pleaded with the president to always take into recognition that the country is in a democratic dispensation and not military dictatorship, pointing out that the views of the majority should triumph and so be respected, no matter which side of the divide one may belong.

The traditional ruler, however, advised President Jonathan to build up a big heart that would enable him lodge the sweetened and ugly sides of the challenges facing him as the man saddled with the leadership responsibility of this great country.

Speaking further on the political assault meted on the presidential candidate of the major opposition party, the All Progressives Congress (APC), Gen Muhammadu Buhari, by Patience Jonathan, Babankowa describe it as “reckless as well as a disgrace to African values.”
“The verbal attack on General Buhari explained the level of desperation among members of the first family at the expense of our cherished values,” he said.

Babankowa, who is also a former police boss while reacting to the constant attacks on the person of General Buhari, by Ekiti State governor, Ayo Fayose, especially the recent death wish to the APC presidential candidate, the elder statesman said it was inhuman and callous, saying; “From a close examination, this gentleman from Ekiti deserves psychiatric attention to ascertain his mental balance because his behaviour begs for deliverance.”

Babankowa, who called on Nigerians to continue to co-exist in a peaceful and harmonious manner, stressed that a union of multi- ethnic nationality was not a mistake.

Recall that President Goodluck Jonathan on Tuesday March 2 revealed the only thing he will never allow the opposition party, particularly the APC to do in Nigeria after the 2015 presidential election.
Meanwhile, in a reaction to the excesses of the First Lady, the APC Presidential Campaign Organisation (APCPCO) will today (Monday) file a formal complaint against Mrs. Patience Jonathan, for purportedly calling on Peoples Democratic Party supporters to “stone” anyone who come to the state asking for change.

Also, Patience Jonathan had earlier mocked the APC’s slogan when she said the PDP does not tell Nigerians about change because they are not bus conductors.