Akeredolu urges Bello, Lawan to step down

Jigawa Governor Mohammed Baduru withdrew from the race leaving only Senate President, Ahmed Lawan and Kogi Governor Yahaya Bello as only aspirants from the north.

Akeredolu, in a statement, commended Badaru for what he termed “patriotic quest by withdrawing his presidential aspiration.”

The statement said the resolution of the 11 Northern APC Governors was geared towards the attainment of nationhood for the country.

According to him: “This is indeed another landmark achievement in our quest for understanding, rapprochement and continual engagements for mutual beneficence.

“We acknowledge this courageous stance for equity and moral rectitude. We applaud the zeal and determination of our brothers to engage realistically and honestly. We salute this uncommon resolve to confront issues militating against the march towards nationhood and ultimate greatness. By this gesture, we are convinced of the seriousness of our colleagues to join other patriots in ensuring that the ascendant march towards stability, progress and prosperity is not truncated by indiscretion.

“We congratulate our brother Governor, Abubakar Badaru, for his exemplary conduct. Posterity will remember him for good. We thank the leadership of the Northern Governors’ Forum for the patriotic zest displayed at this crucial moment. We look forward to conducting a hitch free Convention which will culminate in the election of a suitable candidate who will hoist the flag of the party with a sense of mission.”