President Muhammadu Buhari on Tuesday in Abuja urged Governors elected under the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC) to work towards ensuring that the process of selecting the party's presidential candidate reflects the values and virtues of the APC.
President Buhari gave the charge to the 22 APC Governors as well as the National Chairman of the party, Abdullahi Adamu.
He stressed that the objective must be the victory of the APC and to choose a candidate that can give the Nigerian masses a sense of victory and confidence even before the elections.
President Buhari promised continued consultations to ensure that all aspirants and stakeholders are carried along right through to the convention, so as to douse any anxiety occasioned by divergent factors.
“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, holds the great majority in various legislative chambers, and also gains an 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 Election. 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.”
Responding on behalf of the APC Governors, the Chairman of the Progressive Governors Forum and Kebbi State Governor, Atiku Bagudu, said the APC must consolidate on the gains of its recent elective convention and primaries, to guarantee the emergence of a worthy Presidential candidate who will walk in the footsteps of patriotism and love for the country, which President Buhari has consistently exhibited.
Governor Bagudu stressed that the Progressive Governors will support President Muhamadu Buhari to make the APC have a very successful convention.
The meeting, held at the Council Chambers of the State House, Abuja, was attended
by the APC National Chairman, Abdullahi Adamu, and all the progressive Governors except Governor Nasir El-Rufai of Kaduna State, who was represented by his deputy, Hadiza Sabuwa Balarabe.
The Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Boss Mustapha, and President Buhari’s Chief of Staff, Ibrahim Gambari were also in attendance.
The APC Presidential Primary has been rescheduled to June 6 - 8, 2022.
