By ABUBAKAR YUSUF

North central group, Arise Nigeria, has passed a vote of confidence on Kaduna State Governor, Mallam Nasir el-Rufai, as Nigeria’s next President, saying this will be the best decision for the current democratic practice.

The group, in a statement, said the new democratic evolution in Kaduna State championed by the state government under Governor el-Rufai has justified the quest by Nigerians for the introduction of e-voting for 2023 elections.

According to the coordinator of the group, Awwal Ibrahim, under any political arrangements, Governor el-Rufai should field the presidential slot of any political party, with assurance of winning the election.

“This is the only way that will guarantee genuine electoral reforms in Nigeria, when people with the political and patriotic will, like Governor el-Rufai are giving the leadership of the country.

“Nigerians who are yearning for sane and globally acceptable electoral system should rally round Kaduna State Governor el-Rufai in 2023 to ensure a well thought electoral process.

“From what he has demonstrated in Kaduna State, it showed he will be the best thing that will happen to Nigeria by 2023 elections.

“He will need to be at the driver’s seat in 2023, to ensure a robust grassroots local government administration is put in place, and subsequently the states, National Assembly as well as presidential election in 2027 that will be in line with people’s expectations.

“This is a challenge for the political class, with both the ruling party, APC and the main opposition party, PDP as their best bet is Governor el-Rufai for 2023.

“He has carved a niche of good leadership, legacy and followership for himself and a generally acceptable democratic tenet that will be the envy and pride of the international community going forward.

“We are also appealing to the international community to prevail and protect the sanctity of good governance in Nigeria by seeing to the installation of good leaders as demonstrated by Governor el-Rufai.

“He is already tested and trusted and we appeal to all regions and sections to sheathe their agitations to enable el-Rufai leadership of this country, to usher in a generally acceptable democratic norm in Nigeria.”

The group congratulated the Kaduna State Governor “for a people-oriented leadership at the grassroots, and his zeal to demonstrate same at the state and national level to ensure an egalitarian society.”