All the 19 northern states’ All Progressives Congress (APC) youth groups and stakeholders have nominated the Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Christian Pilgrims Commission, Rev Yakubu Pam, as its preferred running mate of Asiwaju Bola Tinubu.
The group 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 youths 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 youths and stakeholders said the respected Christian cleric is a bridge builder with an extensive network in Northern Nigeria.
“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 tranquillity in Northern Nigeria and the country at large.
“The 19 Northern APC youth groups and stakeholders forum wishes to use this medium to place it on record that the choice of Rev Yakubu Pam as the vice-presidential candidate of the APC would indeed bring the needed balance and harmony the party requires to coast to victory at the presidential elections.”
They urged the leadership of the APC to do all necessary to ensure that Rev Pam is nominated as the vice-presidential candidate of the party.
