The Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN) has dismissed claims that it bought the All Progressives Congress (APC) presidential expression of interest and nomination forms for former President Goodluck Jonathan.
A northern coalition group who described themselves as a Fulani group, purchased the form for Jonathan on Monday, May 9, as they called on the former President to run for office in 2023. Jonathan later issued a statement saying he did not give the group his consent to purchase the form.
After the news broke, some Nigerians speculated that it was members of the Miyetti Allah group that purchased the form for the former president.
Dismissing the claim, Baba Othman Ngelzarma, the national secretary of MACBAN, said it did not purchase any presidential form for any presidential hopeful.
“The attention of MACBAN has been drawn to a trending story in which we are being quoted as having bought a presidential nomination form for former President Goodluck Jonathan for the 2023 elections.
We wish to make it clear that MACBAN did not and will not buy any form for any candidate contesting elections.
MACBAN does not see any gain in this kind of profligate enterprise that adds no value to the million of our members who are wallowing in poverty as a result of banditry, cattle rustling and the dastardly activities of self appointed vigilantes who for all intent and purpose are committed to executing genocide
We believe politics should be left to politicians, we see no mileage in supporting any politician when we are overwhelmed by the crisis being faced by our members nationwide.”the statement read
The secretary added that the media should “take their time to understand the difference between the various fulbe organizations and avoid dragging us into political mud”.
