The Northern Elders Forum, NEF, has said that the northern region regrets voting for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in the 2023 general elections.

The elders made this known in an interview with Guardian Newspaper on Tuesday, noting that the mistake of voting for Tinubu of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has taught the north a lesson.

Spokesperson of the forum, Abdul-Azeez Suleiman said that going forward, the north will now prioritise unity and consensus in selecting a candidate for the presidential seat.

The NEF recently criticised the current administration for ‘failing to protect Nigerians’ and it drew attention to the abduction of Kuriga school children in Kaduna.

Responding to a question on the recent visit and donations by Presidential candidate of Labour Party, Peter Obi to northern communities, Suleiman said the region has learnt from its past misstep and won’t make repeat the mistake in 2027.

He said; “The North made a mistake in voting Bola Tinubu to the presidency in 2023, and it is unlikely that they will repeat the same error in the future.

“They have learned from their past misstep and will strive to select a candidate who can unite the country and govern in the best interests of all Nigerians. Moving forward, the North will be more cautious in selecting a candidate for the presidency.

“They will prioritize someone who is seen as more inclusive, less controversial, and more aligned with the interests of all regions of the country.

“The mistake of supporting Tinubu in 2023 has taught them the importance of unity and consensus in selecting a candidate for the highest office in the land.”