Ahead of 2023 general elections even it’s exactly twelve days before the presidential and National Assembly elections, the candidate of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu received a boost when leaders of Fulani communities (Ardos) endorsed him.
The group under the aegis of the Fulbe United for Peace Development in conjunction with a socio-political group, Arewa New Agenda, on Sunday said it would use its 33,661 members to mobilise millions to vote for Tinubu on February 25.
The group also conferred the title of ‘Barkindo’ ( the blessed one) on Tinubu, which they described as a revered title among the Fulani.
Addressing the gathering after performing the kola nut-sharing tradition, the leader of the group, Ardo Aliyu Liman Bobboi, said with the sharing of the kola, the leaders would go back with the message to their people on the decision the meeting reached.
He said the gathering was an avenue to underscore their support, trust in his leadership qualities and capacity to administer the country effectively if he emerges victorious at the poll.
According to him, the Ardos, as leaders of the people, have the final say on the position of their people and would follow it to the latter to ensure compliance.
The Fulani leader then commended Tinubu for identifying with them, citing the agelong friendship between him and the likes of Governors Abdullahi Umar Ganduje (Kano); Abubakar Badaru (Jigawa) and the former Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) Nuhu Ribadu.
Liman expressed optimism the Tinubu-led presidency would ensure the well-being of the Fulani ethnic nationality in Nigeria.
Ganduje spoke glowingly of Tinubu’s leadership qualities and described the Fulani people, who have cohabited peaceably with their fellow Nigerians as an endangered specie that deserve to be catered for and protected in the years ahead.
The Governor dropped the hint that Tinubu, who is committed to the task of improving the lots of Fulani people is on the verge of producing a blueprint aimed at ensuring a lasting solution to the persistent clashes between farmers and Fulani herders in the country.
Tinubu, who reminisced on the cordial relationship between his late mother Alhaja Abibatu Mogaji, himself and Fulani inhabitants of Lagos State over the years, expressed gratitude for the show of love and support for his ambition.
He reiterated his commitment to creating an enabling environment where Nigerians irrespective of their ethnic and religious backgrounds shall cohabit and live peaceably with one another without let or hindrance.
