The Yoruba Muslim Scholars in Nigeria has commended the resolution of the 11 All Progressives Congress (APC) northern governors to support zoning the presidency to the South, demanding that a Muslim candidate should emerge from the party’s primary.

“While we look forward to the emergence of a Muslim from among the loyal and competent aspirants from the South-West, we wish the party a hitch-free convention.” it said.

The Concerned Yoruba Muslims Scholars in Nigeria had also called for a Muslim presidential candidate from the South-West.

The group gave the commendation in a statement jointly signed by its president general AbdurRasheed Mayaleke, secretary general Olaiya Abideen, and publicity secretary Abdulganiy Ezra, on Sunday in Abuja.

“We see the present zoning decision as a step in the right direction, we are greatly indebted to President Buhari, who not only created an enabling environment for the resolution of the logjam,” stated the so-called Muslim scholars. “But also went ahead to endorse the resolution of the northern governors’ position in the overall interest of unity, peaceful and mutual trust and progress of our nation.We acknowledge this courageous stance for equity and moral rectitude.”

It described the resolution as an uncommon resolve to confront issues militating against the country’s march towards nationhood.

“All the stakeholders that intervened at one point or the other behind the scenes are well appreciated. Special mention must be made of the leader of the Muslim Ummah in Nigeria, the Sultan of Sokoto and the leadership role of Supreme Council for Sharia in Nigeria in this regard,” added the Yoruba Muslim scholars.

Eleven governors from the North had in a statement on Saturday, announced their decision to support a power shift to the South after the end of the tenure of President Muhammadu Buhari.

(NAN)