2023: We Won’t Support Any Presidential Candidate Above 70 Years, Says GNM
- Conversations around the 2023 general elections and their effects on Nigeria's youth population are still ongoing
- An influential youth group, Green Nigeria Movement, says it will not give support to any presidential candidate above 70 years old
- According to the group, its focus will be to champion a new political narrative at all levels of government that will accommodate Nigeria's thriving youth population
FCT, Abuja - The Green Nigeria Movement (GNM) has said that it will not support any presidential candidate who is above 70 years old.
The group disclosed this on Tuesday, March 22 at a consultation breakfast meeting with Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) held in Abuja.
Convener of the GNM and Chairman of the Nigerian Young Professionals Forum (NYPF), Mr. Moses Siloko Siasia, said the group is posed to mobilize up to 12million votes for a credible presidential candidate at the forthcoming 2023 general elections.
Source: Twitter
He, however, said the movement has resolved to support a presidential candidate who is not more than 70 years old.
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He said GNM is also working to tackle voter apathy among eligible voters across the country as part of its plan to champion a new political narrative at all levels of government and to ensure support for people within its system.
Siasia harped that the GNM's choice of candidate will be tied to capacity, ideas, and professionalism, adding that a SWOT analysis will be conducted to come up with candidates that fit its objectives.
Mr. Siasia said the consultation with CSOs will further help strategize on stretching influence and exposing young citizens to accessible and effective tools of political participation.
He lamented that there is no synergy among CSOs, noting that standalone political movement throws their weights at the giant task of charting a new course for Nigeria's polity, adding that it has not yield the desired result.
His words:
“At GNM we are not lost to the realities that there is no cause that can advance without partnership and collaboration.
“That is why we are gathered here as movers and shakers to harness our expertise towards promoting active participation of young people in politics, as well as to support a technocrat and seasoned professional in the forthcoming elections.”
Country Director, Accountability Lab Nigeria, Mr. Odeh Friday posited that the GNM must have a strategic plan to achieve its objectives, while he also called for the representation of Persons Living With Disability (PLWD) and more women in activities of the group.
President of SWA Sports, Aisha Shuaibu, charged the group to gather like-minded individuals, build networks, collect data, and be honest in its activities.
The GNM is an initiative of the NYPF that aims to among many other goals, identify a credible presidential candidate and throw its weight behind the candidate by mobilizing massive votes across the country. The platform also seeks to enlighten voters.
Nigerian youths urged not to be bystanders in 2023 general elections
Recall that the GNM recently tasked Nigerian youths to actively participate in the emergence of credible leaders in the 2023 elections.
This charge was given in Kano state on Thursday, March 10 during the launch of the movement ahead of the 2023 polls.
While noting that the choice of Kano state was strategic given its political relevance, Siasia expressed worry that the younger generation have been the worst hit by socio-economic problems fuelled by bad leadership.
2023: Nigerians should consider young, vibrant, educated leaders for presidency - Gov Bello
In a related development, Niger state governor, Alhaji Abubakar Sani Bello has said that the 2023 presidential race must be about the emergence of young, vibrant, and educated Nigerian leaders.
A statement sent to Legit.ng on Wednesday, February 23 by the Chief Advocate of The Nigeria Agenda (TNA), Niyi Akinsiju, said Governor Bello made the remark when he received the advocacy team of TNA which was on a visit to Niger state.
According to Governor Bello who was represented at the event by the Secretary to the State Government, Alhaji Ahmed Ibrahim Matane, the 2023 presidential race must usher in an era of rapid social and physical development in the country.
Source: Legit.ng
