Nigeria needs Sanusi in 2023 — Dr. Umar

Dr Umar Ardo, a stalwart of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and former governorship aspirant of the PDP in Adamawa State, has said that the deposed emir of Kano, Muhammadu Sanusi II is an asset for the PDP ahead of 2023 presidential election.

Ardo said this in an interview with DAILY TRUST.


His words, "I think he’s a very intelligent, patriotic and courageous man. I personally like him and I believe he can be a great president if ever given the chance. The fact that people are already calling on him to contest tells you that he is not without credence. If he ultimately heeds to these calls and contests, that will be good and I believe he will win.

"I see him to be the most viable candidate in the race, no matter those contesting on the other fronts. I don’t know what they maybe planning with his friend, the Kaduna State Governor, but whatever it is, the chances of him successfully contesting are under PDP’s platform and not APC’s.



When asked to give his own reasons for preferring Sanusi as a good asset for the PDP he said:

"First, Emir Sanusi by birth represents the northern elites and aristocracy, while by inclination and disposition, he seems progressive. Sanusi therefore can be supported by both the northern conservatives and the progressives, both of which have the ability to mobilize the northern masses. He is an intersection between the two extremes.




"Second, as an economist and high level operator in the establishment, Sanusi understands the issues.

"Third, Sanusi is a Lagosian, so to speak; meaning he is both cosmopolitan and nationalistic. He can therefore be easily accepted across the south.


"Fourth, his appointment as Advocate for Sustainable Development Goals by the United Nations illustrates the intrinsic confidence reposed in him by the world body, and therefore the international community.

"Fifth, being a professional banker, both in private banking and Governor of Central Bank, his support in the business community at home and abroad is simply given.



"Sixth, with the poor state of the economy against mindless debts being heaped on the nation, Nigeria needs a practical economist who understands the international monetary system well to pull her out of the quandary.

"Seventh, with a known and noble parental background and a progressive inclination Sanusi can be a major agent of change for the North and the nation, culturally, socio-economically and politically. He can easily drive a complete change of the nation’s political-economy.


"Eight, the North has realized that Nigeria is ripe for real change one way or the other. Given the conservative nature of the North in resisting changes, it will take only a person of Sanusi’s background and courage to successfully drive the modernization process with least resistance. Sanusi would thus be more valuable to the North and the country as President than as Emir of Kano.