The Northern Elders Forum, NEF, has expressed regret regarding their support for President Bola Tinubu in the 2023 election, according to their spokesperson, Abdul-Azeez Suleiman, in an interview with Guardian on Tuesday.

Suleiman pointed out that in upcoming elections, especially the 2027 general elections, the region will prioritize unity and consensus when selecting a candidate for Nigeria’s highest office.

He stated, “The North made an error in electing Bola Tinubu as president in 2023, and it’s unlikely they will make the same mistake again. They have learned from this and will aim to choose a candidate capable of uniting the nation and governing in the best interests of all Nigerians.”

Looking ahead, the North will exercise caution in choosing a presidential candidate, prioritizing inclusivity, avoiding controversy, and ensuring alignment with the interests of all regions of the country, Suleiman added.

Recall that President Bola Tinubu of the All Progressives Congress, APC, garnered the most support from the Northern region in defeating major contenders, including a Northerner, Atiku Abubakar of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, in the 2023 election.

However, since his inauguration in May 2023, Tinubu has faced widespread criticism for some of his administration’s policies, which the opposition labeled as detrimental to the masses. Additionally, Northern groups accused Tinubu of favoring certain regions in federal government appointments.