IBB Youths Declare for Jonathan

A group known as Nigerian youths for IBB has declared their support for President Goodluck Jonathan.

Speaking at a news conference in Abuja, the coordinator of the group, Prince Yakubu Shemdam said that the group�s decision was based on the agreement of Former military president, retired General Ibrahim Babangida to agree to the Northern consensus candidate. Prince Shemdam said that the group cannot work with the northern consensus Candidate, Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar.
The group is said to be a conglomeration of over 200 youth organisations supporting the Presidential aspirations of Retired General Babangida. The group also observed that the ticket of Goodluck Jonathan and Namadi Sambo is a shift from the past and deserve their support for the 2011 presidential election.

The Northern Political Leaders' Forum (NPLF's) had picked former Vice-President Alhaji Atiku Abubakar as the region�s consensus candidate for the 2011presidential election. The Adamu Ciroma-led NPLF announced Atiku as the choice candidate after a prolonged meeting. Atiku, as the consensus candidate will challenge President Goodluck Jonathan in the PDP primaries ahead of elections come April 2011. Speaking to journalists after the announcement, Atiku Abubakar Campaign Spokesman, Garba Shehu said: "He (Atiku) has been chosen as the consensus candidate that will run against the president in the ruling PDP primaries”.  Also, Secretary, NPLF, Alhaji Bello Sabo, at a news conference said: "After due consideration, we were able to come up with a consensus candidate. The person chosen by these wisemen is Alhaji Atiku Abubakar."

In his reaction, Atiku Abubakar, former VP said that the process of making him the consensus candidate to represent the north came through wide-ranging and painstaking consultations across the length and breadth of the country. He said: "I commend the Consensus Committee for this endorsement and for their sacrifice, their patriotism, their commitment and their integrity”.

They have made an important contribution to the unity and stability of this country.

"I am profoundly grateful to the other aspirants who were screened by the Consensus Committee for their commitment to the consensus process. All three of them, former President Ibrahim Babangida, former National Security Adviser, General Mohamed Aliyu Gusau, and Governor Bukola Saraki of Kwara State, are eminently qualified for the office of President."Their decision to abide by the decision of the Consensus Committee is a further testimony to their patriotism, honour, service and selflessness. Nigerians will forever remain grateful to them for their contribution to the peace, unity and stability of this country. I will continue to count on their support in the campaign to win the PDP primaries and the 2011 Presidential election."