In a swift reaction to Tuesday’s press statement by former President Olusegun Obasanjo calling on President Muhammadu Buhari to honourably resign, the Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) has come out to challenge the opinion of the former President.

In a statement released and signed by its spokesperson, Mohammad Ibrahim Biu, the northern socio-cultural group said although Obasanjo had the right to express his opinion like any other Nigerian, the decision to contest the 2019 presidential elections lies with President Buhari and his party, the All Progressives Congress (APC).

“The statement credited to former President Obasanjo that President Buhari should not re-run 2019 election is his democratic right to express his view like any other Nigerian on all issues including democracy.

“However, it is President Buhari’s prerogative and that of his party to decide on whether to re-contest or not,” the statement read in part.

Obasanjo had in the 13 – page statement titled “The Way Out: A Clarion Call For Coalition for Nigeria Movement,” passed a vote of no confidence on the administration of President Buhari, saying the President lacked the capacity to govern Nigeria and therefore needs a dignified and honourable exit.