Fulani herdsmen in Nigeria have considered adopting the National Leader of All Progressives Congress, Bola Tinubu,@ as their candidate in the coming Presidential election in 2023.
This was confirmed as Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association (MACBAN), expressed confidence in Tinubu at a meeting held in Abuja.
The meeting had in attendance Fulani leaders from the 36 states and the FCT Abuja.
Speaking at the meeting, Ya’u Haruna, the convener of the meeting and one-time chairman of the Jigawa chapter of MACBAN said, “We are also scanning the people showing interest in the presidential seat with Bola Tinubu leading because he was the one that intervened in our matter while he was governor of Lagos, and we had a crisis in Benue”.
“Tinubu came all the way, got us on a round table and reconciled us, so, someone who could do this at that time, we believe can do more when he is at the helm of affairs.”
Speaking further, he maintained, “We are not in any way saying there are no criminals that engage in kidnapping, cattle rustling, banditry and other crimes. But it must also be known that a larger percentage of our people live peacefully and conduct their legitimate businesses.”.
He added, “We want to partner the federal, state governments and foreign donor organisations to establish schools so that our youths can be educated and put their knowledge to gainful use for national benefit.”
The ex-MACBAN chief further explained that Fulani communities have been oriented about the coming 2023 general elections, security, and living in peace.
“Most of our grazing reserves have been taken over by those in power. To get these back, we have to also join politics and even contest elective positions,” he reasoned. “Already and following our effort in sensitising our people, many now have their PVC cards and are only waiting for the election time.”
