Wait for your turn in 2019 – Presidency advises North

The presidency has stated that the 2015 presidential election is a defining moment in Nigeria’s stability and not about President Goodluck Jonathan of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and General Muhammadu Buhari (rtd.) of the All Progressive Congress (APC).

Specifically, it implored the north to wait for 2019 Presidency when Jonathan would have completed his second term, saying by then, the region would have “unequivocal” and “indisputable” opportunity to rule the country for the next eight years.

Senior special assistant to the president on public affairs, Dr Doyin Okupe, told State House journalists at the weekend, that the consideration and implication of the polls was beyond Jonathan and Buhari.

Okupe, who noted that the north was far more advanced in terms of politics and political leadership than any other section of Nigeria, said the Yoruba people were no longer causing trouble because their son had been allowed to rule Nigeria for eight years.

He said: “Why can we not concede this remaining four years? A country cannot be roasted or derailed purely on the ambition of one person. If Jonathan completes his next four years, the north has a chance; an unequivocal chance, an indisputable chance and an opportunity that cannot be denied to present a candidate they want who will rule the country for another eight years.

“Even if Buhari wins this election, which is impossible, he cannot do a second term. So, when the second term comes, why would other people not contest against him? He is a northerner and if he cannot run for election again, then, the thing should go back to the south.

“So, would the north be satisfied with only four years? These are the issues. That is why I am saying this 2015 election is beyond Goodluck Jonathan and Muhammadu Buhari. It is a matter of national stability.