EXTRA: Group files suit to compel el-Rufai to contest presidency in 2023

The Nassiriya Organisation, a northern-based group, has instituted a suit to compel Nasir el- Rufai, governor of Kaduna state, to contest the 2023 presidential election.

The governor had previously said he had no interest in the presidential seat and would not contest because the next president should be a southerner, as Nigerian politics is based on rotation.

But speaking with journalists at the weekend, Garkuwa Babuga, national leader of the organisation and zonal vice chairman of the All Progressive Congress(APC), said the group headed to a high court in Kaduna after el- Rufai declined their request to contest the election.

Babuga, who said the group has members in 21 states, said the governor 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.”