Arrival/Journey To Kaduna
It all started on Monday, April 30 when I arrived the city of Kaduna ahead of a 2-Day meeting of Nigeria Youth Project for National and Zonal leaders scheduled for Tuesday May 1st, being Worker's Day and Wednesday May 2nd.

While on the journey to Kaduna, I deliberately initiated conversation with co-passengers on the situation of Nigeria with respect to 2019 Presidential election without unveiling my identity. Upon setting the ball rolling, passengers were divided into three camps; pro-Buhari/APC camp, pro-PDP camp and a 3rd camp of anyone but Buhari (ABB)

Three Camps, One Goal
The pro Buhari camp loathed PDP (Peoples Democratic Party) for perceived (or real) corruption associated with it and for the perceived (or real) integrity/Anti-corruption demeanor of President Muhammadu Buhari.

The pro-PDP camp loathed the ruling government for allegedly impoverishing Nigerians, deception, ethnoreligious bias and misgovernance. They believe only PDP have what it takes to beat Buhari. Though I belong to this camp, yet I concealed my preference so as to be able to appeal to peoples conscience without being seen as partisan.

The third group of people, consisting of "Anyone but Buhari" (ABB), had people that do not care about political parties but only care about project Nigeria. They were tired of Buhari due to his alleged many failings and disappointment just as they expressed disappointment in PDP. Ironically, they were aloof on what to do to change the situation for the better.

Each three camps were however interconnected by a single vision, the advancement of Nigeria state and better living for citizens.

Highlighting The Profiles/Antecedents Of Major Presidential Aspirants
I took the discussion floor to highlight gains and failings of Buhari government, those of past PDP administrations prior to the coming of Buhari, and thereafter proceeded to reel out the profile, performance and antecedent of major Presidential aspirants, including, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, Senator Ahmed Muhammed Makarfi, President Muhammadu Buhari, Alhaji Sule Lamido, Mallam Ibrahim Shekarau, Senator David Mark and Governor Ibrahim Hassan Dankwambo.

A Common Ground Reached
After my sermon, it was surprising that all three camps had a common ground in Senator Ahmed Makarfi.

To the Buharists, "since Makarfi has nothing to do with corruption and he's not been indicted nor placed under trial "like others", he's a better candidate."

The PDP camp acknowledged Makarfi for his exploits as Governor and party leader, though some expressed concern about his relative visibility in the public, they still agreed that he is the best chance for Buhari to be kicked out of power.

To the camp "ABB", for the fact that Makarfi is not an ethnoreligious champion and he has history of working with smart young people, they will look no further in the search for ideal leader, but will align with Makarfi.

Experience In Kaduna State
Upon arrival to Kaduna state, I observed beautiful faces, lovely and hospitable people, hardworking and accommodating citizens, and I felt at home immediately. I realised that the unfortunate, divisive, bitter and evil government of Nasir Elrufai does not represent the true character of Kaduna people. I pray they correct the anomalies in 2019 Gubernatorial election.

[b[May 1st Meeting With Senator Ahmed Makarfi[/b]
On Tuesday May 1st, delegation of Nigeria Youth Project which included the National Coordinator and Team leader, Hon Bobai Victor; Deputy National Coordinator, Hon Job Tsegha; the National Secretary-General (yours faithfully), Hon Inioribo Tamunotonye; the Southeast zonal Coordinator, Ambassador Nnaemeka StClement; Mrs Zainab Al-Amin of the Northwest; Hon Akinola Adewunmi of Southwest; Toba Owojaiye of Northcentral; Comrade Ogidi Lawrence, who represented Northeast Coordinator, Mr. Dennis Shima JP, numerous representatives of affiliate groups that collapsed into the Nigeria Youth Project, including Movie Actors, Music and film producers, Young Leaders Forum, IRep Nigeria group, students and several others, all went to the Kaduna residence of His Excellency, Sen Ahmed Makarfi on a private visit to communicate the resolve by Nigeria Youth Project that he join the 2019 Presidential race as the most credible alternative and most experienced leader for Nigeria.

My humble self in my capacity as the National Secretary outlined the position of the Nigeria Youth Project and emphasised on how we arrived at our position after citing his antecedents all through his public service years with an impeccable record of high integrity, financial manager, public administrator.

Leaders of all the geopolitical zones, students, movie and music producers group, IRep Nigeria group and other affiliate groups of Nigeria Youth Project took turns to convey the position of their respective jurisdiction, but aligning with an appeal to Senator Ahmed Makarfi to join the 2019 presidential race.

Senator Ahmed Makarfi Responds
Senator Ahmed Makarfi, who was caught unaware and ambushed by the delegation and their message for his entrance into the 2019 presidential race, took time to reiterate his belief in the Nigeria project and the young people/youths of Nigeria. Ahmed Makarfi highlighted the importance of young people in nation building and expressed appreciation to the youths of Nigeria for finding him worthy to captain the ship of Nigeria at this very difficult time.

Makarfi took time to condemn the various form of insurgency and insecurity across the country and expressed faith appealed to every citizens irrespective of religion, ethnicity, educational and social background to work in peace, unity and harmony to achieve our dream country.

On the request to join the 2019 Presidential race, Makarfi informed the delegation that his position will be communicated at an appropriate time, but stated that all his life has been dedicated to Nigeria and he will continue to live to serve the Nigeria people. He enjoined the delegation to continue to promote project Nigeria and expressed faith that the dream of Nigerians shall not be cut short.

Conclusively, it was a great pleasure meeting with the man Nigerians believe is the ideal and most credible alternative to salvage our dear country. We are determined to ensure that Nigeria don't miss this opportunity, and we may be forced to file a lawsuit if need be to ensure Makarfi is on the ballot come February 2019.


May God Bless Us All and Bless Nigeria


Written by:
Hon. Inioribo Tamunotonye
National Secretary, Nigeria Youth Project and National Coordinator, PDP National Youth League
Tonyebarcanista@gmail.com

Makarfi with some delegates

Northwest Zonal Coordinator, Oyo state coordinator, other delegates and Senator Ahmed Makarfi

Nice one TonyeBarcanista,
I can't help but get distracted by your choice of trouser.
In recent times, you've given me reasons to strongly re-consider Ahmed Makarfi.

But I must be honest,
That royal blue trouser took away all of those reasons.

If I can't trust you to choose a nice shade of trouser to wear for such an important meeting, I definitely shouldn't trust you on who should be our President.

I also can't help noticing the number of Northerners around him.
Is this gonna be another government for the North?

NYP Deputy National Coordinator, Southwest Zonal Coordinator with Makarfi

NwaAmaikpe:



I can't help but get distracted by your choice of trouser.
In recent times, you've given me reasons to strongly re-consider Ahmed Makarfi.

But I must be honest,
That royal blue trouser took away all those reasons.

If I can't trust you to choose a nice shade of trouser to wear for such an important meeting, I definitely shouldn't trust you on who should be our President.

I also can't help noticing the number of Northerners around him.
Is this gonna be another government for the North?

My brother, abeg no vex for my choice of trouser, I'm not really the fashion type but I'll take cognisance henceforth.

Meanwhile, we the delegation had equal number of representation across the northern and southern divide. Also considering that Kaduna state was the host state, it isn't out of place for their members to be in attendance. Also bear in mind that there are northern Christian population whose dress style is similar to their Muslim brothers. Irrespective, what unite us is greater than ethnicity and religion.

Ds man WL snd Buhari bck 2 Daura.
Long life PDP.
I wil vote 4 im as long as buhari wee go.

OkpaAkuEriEri:
Ds man WL send Buhari bck 2 Daura.
Long life PDP.
I wil vote 4 im as long as buhari wee go.

Lalasticlala

The affliction called Buhari shall not rise the second time

Good work @TonyeBarcanista

But what do you think about Sowore and the other youths campaigning for presidency?

OkpaAkuEriEri:
Ds man WL snd Buhari bck 2 Daura.
Long life PDP.
I wil vote 4 im as long as buhari wee go.

Lalasticlala

I know even know if na English you type here sef....

Truth234:
Good work @TonyeBarcanista

But what do you think about Sowore and the other youths campaigning for presidency?

Sowore is a professional blackmailer and a bitter person, he's also clueless on the needs of Nigeria and his plans... Listen to him talk gibberish... Irrespective, he's a blackmailer, we don't want another Yahaya Bello.

Others are inexperienced with all sincerity. Office of the President is different from being an admin on WhatsApp or Facebook page, it requires maturity and level of experience. Nobody employs a JJC as a company's CEO...

Meanwhile, most of them are academical and not practical in their approach.

Makarfi will work with young people (as usual)

TonyeBarcanista:

The affliction called Buhari shall not rise the second time

let me see what will happen to you when Atiku wins the primary....

TonyeBarcanista:

Sowore is a professional blackmailer and a bitter person, he's also clueless on the needs of Nigeria and his plans... Listen to him talk gibberish... Irrespective, he's a blackmailer, we don't want another Yahaya Bello.

Others are inexperienced with all sincerity. Office of the President is different from being an admin on WhatsApp or Facebook page, it requires maturity and level of experience. Nobody employs a JJC as a company's CEO...

Meanwhile, most of them are academical and not practical in their approach.

Makarfi will work with young people (as usual)

Maikarfi is only known with just one legacy, "Maikarfi plaza " home of second hand phones.

Kyase:
I know even know if na English you type here sef....

Na shorthand wey him use... the most important thing be say we grab the message.

Kyase:
let me see what will happen to you when Atiku wins the primary....

The primary election is a DONE DEAL!

We are now focused on the secondary election against Buhari

TonyeBarcanista:

Na shorthand wey him use... the most important thing be say we grab the message.

I no grab any message there ooo. Na only Buhari I understand there.

TonyeBarcanista:

The primary election is a DONE DEAL!

We are now focused on the secondary election against Buhari

which Buhari will win flawlessly

Kyase:
which Buhari will win flawlessly

Even Buhari is aware that he's returning home in May 2019... Na only you and Yahaya Bello go stand with am.

TonyeBarcanista:

Even Buhari is aware that he's returning home in May 2019... Na only you and Yahaya Bello go stand with am.

you will be singing Buhari's praise in 2020 as president....

TonyeBarcanista:

Sowore is a professional blackmailer and a bitter person, he's also clueless on the needs of Nigeria and his plans... Listen to him talk gibberish... Irrespective, he's a blackmailer, we don't want another Yahaya Bello.

Others are inexperienced with all sincerity. Office of the President is different from being an admin on WhatsApp or Facebook page, it requires maturity and level of experience. Nobody employs a JJC as a company's CEO...

Meanwhile, most of them are academical and not practical in their approach.

Makarfi will work with young people (as usual)

Sowore is an activist of almost 30 years, therefore, he is not clueless but I don't think he understands the complexity of government bureaucracy in an economy as big as Nigeria.

I have listened to a lot of his speech, good for motivation but lacking the fundamental of governance. However, I still think the youths should support him against this old men to pressure them across all levels.

Truth234:


Sowore is an activist of almost 30 years, therefore, he is not clueless but I don't think he understands the complexity of government bureaucracy in an economy as big as Nigeria.

I have listened to a lot of his speech, good for motivation but lacking the fundamental of governance. However, I still think the youths should support him against this old men to pressure them across all levels.

@Emboldened that is why I said he's clueless. Activism is about standing for just cause, leadership is beyond just speaking or blabbing. Sowore may be an activist, he's also a blackmailer.

The youths can't support any clueless man because he's young, hence, we wouldn't be different from those voting on the basis of tribe, religion, social class and any other division. We can't have a Yahaya Bello again pls

Tonye, you tried but next time, try taking all your pictures standing up, sitting down, you looked lost.




That being said, we just need a 5 point agenda from your man, how he intends to accomplish it and his manifesto on corrupt practices at all level.

TonyeBarcanista:

@Emboldened that is why I said he's clueless. Activism is about standing for just cause, leadership is beyond just speaking or blabbing. Sowore may be an activist, he's also a blackmailer.

The youths can't support any clueless man because he's young, hence, we wouldn't be different from those voting on the basis of tribe, religion, social class and any other division. We can't have a Yahaya Bello again pls

The youth won't be supporting him because he is young but because in the last three decades, he has proven to be a viable threat to the cabal that has consistently siphoned our collective resources and deprived the Nigerian youths a better life.

Nigeria needs a complete overhaul, that is where Sowore comes in. Win or lose he would have disrupted the political landscape and send a strong signal to the power that be that no group of people will hold Nigeria to ransom again. We need a strategy to disrupt the current political structure or else we will continue to recycle the same old men. Making us nothing but tools.

Truth234:


The youth won't be supporting him because he is young but because in the last three decades, he has proven to be a viable threat to the cabal that has consistently siphoned our collective resources and deprived the Nigerian youths a better life.

Nigeria needs a complete overhaul, that is where Sowore comes in. Win or lose he would have disrupted the political landscape and send a strong signal to the power that be that no group of people will hold Nigeria to ransom again. We need a strategy to disrupt the current political structure or else we will continue to cycle the same old men. Making us nothing but tools.

Bros, nobody sees him as a threat biko

Proudlyngwa:
Tonye, you tried but next time, try taking all your pictures standing up, sitting down, you looked lost.




That being said, we just need a 5 point agenda from your man, how he intends to accomplish it and his manifesto on corrupt practices at all level.

Thanks my brother from Ngwa.

The thing is that the picture was taken during interaction... I never posed for it and was unaware sef

TonyeBarcanista:
Makarfi with some delegates

Hi Tonye,

Is Makarfi PDP presidential flag bearer? Because I don't know the reason behind your recent post promoting him on social media, are Nairalanders part of PDP delegates that will vote for his candidacy in PDP primary?

I just pray this your candidate win PDP primary oooo, so that you wouldn't change party or eat your vomit as usual.

TGM2015:
7
Hi Tonye,

Is Makarfi PDP presidential flag bearer? Because I don't know the reason behind your recent post promoting him on social media, are Nairalanders part of PDP delegates that will vote for his candidacy in PDP primary?

I just pray this your candidates win oooo, so that you wouldn't change party or eat your vomit as usual.

The Presidential election is a general one that will ultimately be determined by Nigeria electorates. All over the world candidates are marketed to electorates even before emerging flag bearers. Only an Id.1ot will wait until post primary election.

TGM2015:

Hi Tonye,

Is Makarfi PDP presidential flag bearer? Because I don't know the reason behind your recent post promoting him on social media, are Nairalanders part of PDP delegates that will vote for his candidacy in PDP primary?

I just pray this your candidate win PDP primary oooo, so that you wouldn't change party or eat your vomit as usual.

He has been bribed,after PDP primaries he would dump markafi for the next highest bidder

Hope this aboki dey pay you

lazy elders...lazy youths

Buhari or makerfi... Is a win win for Yoruba Muslims