President Buhari Talks To APC Governors On Choice Of Successor, Mode Of Convention

By Ayodele Oni

President Muhammadu Buhari seems to be dissatisfied with the way the special National Convention of the opposition People’s Democratic Party, (PDP) to pick its presidential flagbearer went.

There have been reports of alleged use of money by the PDP aspirants, and this probably facilitated the victory for one of them.

To ensure a more decent and rancour-free process by the ruling All Progressive Congress, (APC), especially coming up with a consensus candidate, President Buhari met with Governors of the party on Tuesday in Abuja, charging them to ensure that the forthcoming convention to pick a presidential candidate reflects all the values and virtues of the party.

A statement by Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Femi Adesina, disclosed that at the meeting, held at State House, Abuja, the President told the 22 Governors and the National Chairman of the party, Senator Abdullahi Adamu that:

“The processes for the 2023 General Elections have commenced in earnest and I note that the most successful political parties globally have always relied on their internal cohesion and a strong leadership brand to achieve bigger electoral fortunes.

“Our party, the APC, shall not be any different, more so as we are still implementing the blueprint for a more prosperous nation.

“As I begin the final year of my second term as President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and leader of the party, I recognize the compelling need for me to provide stronger leadership to the party under this transition process and to ensure that it happens in an orderly manner.

“Such leadership is required so that the party remains strong and united. It is also needed to improve our electoral fortunes by ensuring that it retains power at the center, hold the great majority  in various legislative chambers and also gain additional number of states.

“In a few days, the party will be holding its Convention during which primaries would take place to pick the Presidential Flag Bearer for the 2023 General Elections.

“This is a very significant process and its outcome should prove to the world, the positive quality of the APC regarding democratic principles, culture as well as leadership.”

The President appealed to the  Governors “to allow our interests to converge, our focus to remain on the changing dynamics of our environment, the expectations of our citizens  and the global community.

“Our objective must be the victory of our party and our choice of candidate must be someone who would give the Nigerian masses a sense of victory and confidence even before the elections.”

President Buhari assured that the consultation process will continue, to ensure that all aspirants and stakeholders would be brought on board right through to the convention, stressing that it would also ensure that any anxiety occasioned by different factors are effectively brought under control, “and that our party emerges stronger.”

Speaking on behalf of the States’ helmsmen, Governor Atiku Bagudu of Kebbi State, and Chairman of Progressive Governors Forum, said the party must build on successes of its recent elective convention, and the primaries conducted so far, “and come up with a candidate who will walk in the footsteps of patriotism and love for the country, which Mr President has shown.

“We will support Mr President to have a very successful convention.”