Former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai has suggested that Nigeria's presidential ticket should be shared between the North and the South-South as was the practice in the years following the country’s independence.

El-Rufai made this statement during a condolence visit to the family of the late elder statesman and iconic leader, Edwin Clark, who passed away on February 17 at the age of 97.

The All Progressives Congress (APC) chieftain, who was accompanied by former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, proposed a return to the political arrangement of the 1960s, 70s, and 80s, where the North and the South-South were traditional political allies.

His proposal has been linked to his fallout with President Bola Tinubu and the APC leadership.

"I am honored and humbled to come with Vice President Atiku Abubakar to condole with the family and commend the work that Edwin Clark has done. I urge you as a family, and those who stand behind you, to continue this work. We are at the forefront of this tradition. Remember, in the 60s, 70s, and 80s, the traditional political partners were the North and the South-South. Let us not forget that. Let us return to that alliance and save this country because it is truly worth saving. We need a rescue operation," he said.

El-Rufai described Chief Clark as a father to all and recalled their first meeting when he returned from exile.

"I was very happy when this opportunity presented itself for us to be here. Chief Edwin Clark was not just an Ijaw leader; he was a father to all of us. I first met him when I returned from exile. At the time, all persons of goodwill who sought solutions to stabilize the country, including the chief of the committee, called him, and I came to his house. We had discussions, and by the grace of God, the country was stabilized," he recounted.

Reflecting on Clark’s legacy, El-Rufai said, "Today, we celebrate the contributions of Edwin Clark. Those of us old enough remember when he was the Federal Commissioner, Minister of State, and Minister of Education. His work at the state level as a Commissioner distinguished him in Nigeria."

"He always stood for justice and fairness. He was vocal and courageous in his convictions, never remaining silent in the face of injustice. To him, injustice to one was injustice to all," El-Rufai added.

NBA