APC convention: Buhari tells Govs to ‘converge’ interests

APC convention: Buhari tells Govs to ‘converge’ interests

* says he’ll provide stronger leadership for party

By Ochioha 11

President Muhammadu Buhari has charged Governors of the All Progressives Congress (APC) “to allow our interests to converge” during the forthcoming presidential primary election of the party so as to pick a candidate that give Nigerian masses a sense of victory.

Buhari’s charge is coming amid controversies over whether the party will eventually adopt a consensus presidential candidate despite the opposition to the idea by some stakeholders of the APC.

During a meeting on Tuesday at State House, Abuja, the President told the 22 Governors and the National Chairman of the party, Senator Abdullahi Adamu, that they must pick a presidential candidate reflects all the values and virtues of the party.

Apparently acknowledging the influence of the Governors during a primary election as this, the President appealed to them “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.”

According to a statement issued by presidential spokesman, Femi Adesina, after the meeting, Buhari assured that the consultation process would continue, to ensure that all aspirants and stakeholders would be brought on board right through to the convention.

He stressed that such a process would also ensure that any anxiety occasioned by different factors are effectively brought under control, “and that our party emerges stronger.”

Buhari further hinted of his intention to wield stronger powers over the leadership of the party as he commences the final year of his second term in office, so as to ensure the APC finishes stronger in 2023 elections and a new administration takes over in orderly manner. 

His words: “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.”

Speaking on behalf of the States’ helmsmen, Governor Atiku Bagudu of Kebbi State, who is Chairman of Progressive Governors Forum, said the party must build on successes of its recent elective convention, and the primaries conducted so far.

According to him, the forthcoming presidential primary must “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”.