By Israel Adamu, Jos
The National Coordinator of the Young Christian Democrats (YCD), Mr. Ezekiel Dinfa, has stated that only a president of Northern Christian origin can adequately protect Northern Christians from the growing threats of Islamist extremism and terrorism in the region.
Dinfa made the statement in Jos over the weekend while reacting to remarks by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu during his recent visit to the Plateau State capital. President Tinubu had urged Plateau residents and Northern Christians to support him, citing his respect for religious freedom and noting that his wife is a pastor.
Responding, Dinfa said the President’s comments were ill-timed, emphasizing that the challenges faced by Northern Christians differ from those of their Southern counterparts.
“This is not the time for that kind of statement. Even Southern Christians do not fully understand what we are going through. Only a Northern Christian does,” he said.
Dinfa revealed that the YCD has identified Dr. Joel Gbenga Hashim, a member of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), as the preferred candidate capable of addressing the plight of Northern Christians.
“He is a successful entrepreneur, one of the founders of the PDP, and understands both national security and economics,” Dinfa stated.
He further described Dr. Hashim as a “fair-minded democrat” who would protect all Nigerians regardless of religion, noting that “like many Northern Christians, he also has Muslim roots.”
Dinfa added that Dr. Hashim’s mixed Northern and Southern parentage makes him a unifying figure comparable to former Head of State General Yakubu Gowon, who led Nigeria through the civil war.
“Dr. Hashim has the capacity to manage Nigeria’s diversity, unlike many aspirants who do not truly understand the country,” Dinfa said.
