Thousands of Fulani people under the Umbrella of Fulbe North East yesterday gathered in Yola, the Adamawa State capital, where they endorsed the presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Atiku Abubakar.
The event, which was held at the Ribadu Square and was attended by Fulani leaders from the six states in the North East, saw the tradition of sharing kola nuts to participants to seal the vow to work for Atiku.
The spokesman of Fulbe North East, Musa Usman Ardo, called on all people of Fulani extraction in the region to support the PDP candidate in view of his “demonstrated capacity to lead Nigeria and unite its people”
He said, “Distinguished ladies and gentlemen, let me make it clear that the Fulbe in the North East geopolitical zone have been following the activities of all political leaders and have endorsed His Excellency, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar (GCON), Wazirin Adamawa, as our choice for the President of Nigeria come 2023.
“We have equally endorsed His Excellency, Alhaji Umaru Fintiri, as our gubernatorial candidate in Adamawa State.
“Let me make it clear that our choice of the candidates is premised on their capacities and competencies. We have seen and been convinced by the leadership qualities of Alhaji Atiku Abubakar. We have also seen what Fintiri has demonstrated within the few years of his service to the people.”
The group, therefore, demanded protection for herders and access to grazing areas and water, involvement of Fulani in all developmental projects, as well as provision of opportunities for Fulani youths to participate in governance.