The Nassiriya Organisation, a Northern-based interest group, has charged Kaduna State Governor, Mallam Nasir el-Rufai to court, seeking a judgement to compel him to contest the 2023 presidential election.
This follows the governor’s declaration that he would not participate in the 2023 presidential election because the next president should be a southerner, as Nigerian politics is based on rotation.
In a statement however, Garkuwa Babuga, National Leader of the Nassiriya Organisation and Zonal Vice Chairman of the All Progressive Congress (APC), said the group resorted to the judiciary after el-Rufai refused their request to contest the election.
Babuga noted that the interest group has members scattered in 21 states, declaring: “Governor el-Rufai is the best candidate based on his track records of achievements”.
“Many people are yearning for the el-Rufai presidency. I don’t have to overblow the trumpet, you all have seen his developmental strides in the FCT and in Kaduna state. He is the best person for the villa in 2023,” he said.
“Let’s continue to be loyal and support President Buhari to complete his tenure. But el-Rufai as president and successor to Buhari will further unite Nigeria.
“We are appealing to our elders in the North, please forget party differences, we should join forces and rally round el-Rufai so that he contest and win the presidency.
“Although he did not answer our call, we have gone to court so as to compel el-Rufai to vie for the number one seat in Nigeria.
“The next sitting on the matter is on the 2nd of November, 2020. We have sought the legal services of Barrister El-Zubair. We will all be in the court.”