Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association (MACBAN) has expressed its decision to adopt the national leader of the All Progressives Congress, Bola Tinubu as its presidential candidate.
MACBAN which is the umbrella body for Fulani herdsmen in the country disclosed this on Sunday after a meeting at the Agricultural and Rural Management Training Institute, Abuja.
Speaking after the meeting, convener of the event and one-time chairman of Jigawa chapter of MACBAN, Ya’u Haruna said though the association is also scanning other contestants, Bola Tinubu remains the leading candidate.
“He was the one that intervened in our matter while he was governor of Lagos, and we had a crisis in Benue. Tinubu came all the way, got us on a round table and reconciled us, so, someone who could do this at that time, we believe can do more when he is at the helm of affairs.
He added, “We want to partner the federal, state governments and foreign donor organizations to establish schools so that our youths can be educated and put their knowledge to gainful use for national benefit.”
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The ex-MACBAN chief further explained that Fulani communities were enlightened on the 2023 general elections, security, and living in peace.
“Most of our grazing reserves have been taken over by those in power. To get these back, we have to also join politics and even contest elective positions,” he reasoned. “Already and following our effort in sensitizing our people, many now have their PVC cards and are only waiting for the election time.”
Mr Tinubu had informed President Muhammadu Buhari of his plan to go for the APC’s presidential ticket early in the year.
He told journalists of his ambition to be president of Nigeria, chalking his ability to rule the country of over 200 million people to the achievements made while he was governor of Lagos.
“I answer that with categorical yes. I’ve informed the president of my intention, but I have not informed Nigerians yet. I’m still consulting. And I have no problem consulting. And I’ve noticed that there is a parameter of limitation to the extent of how many people I will consult,” Mr Tinubu had said.