Nigeria needs president with good records, Yoruba elders canvass

Yoruba elders, under aegis of Yoruba Council of Elders (YCE), yesterday, said Nigeria needs a President who is nationalistic in approach with proven track records of performance, physically healthy and mentally alert to overcome challenges besetting the country in 2023.

Secretary -General of YCE, Dr. Kunle Olajide, who spoke with The Guardian in an exclusive interview, said the situation of the country had gone beyond being tribalistic and sectional in electing the Nigeria’s president come 2023.

Olajide maintained that the country needs a true Nigerian nationalist who could mend fences and help overcome challenges wherever he comes from, saying the country has been polarised beyond imagination.

He, therefore, urged those interested in running for the position to present themselves with their records in public service and credentials to the voting public.

He said: “The situation in the country has gone beyond where the president comes from. It has gone beyond tribe or zone of the president. What we are looking for is a personality who has capacity, competence, character and track record of performance irrespective of where he comes from. We must stop emphasising on the place of birth or zone.”

When asked if he is concerned about the age of the next president, he said: “ Yes and No.

“Personally, I would not want anybody above the age of 70. I think we have good materials all over the country. No part of Nigeria is bereft of human resources.” He pointed out that ageing reduces capacity and energy.