President Muhammadu Buhari on Tuesday told the governors of the All Progressives Congress (APC) to ensure that the scheduled presidential primary reflects the values and virtues of the party.
The presidential spokesperson, Femi Adesina, quoted Buhari as telling the 22 governors and National Chairman of the party, Senator Abdullahi Adamu to ensure internal cohesion and strong leadership brand to achieve bigger electoral fortunes.
“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.
“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,” the president stressed.
Buhari assured continued consultation process in order to allow all aspirants and stakeholders to be brought on board through to the convention.
He also stressed that it would also ensure that any anxiety occasioned by different factors are effectively brought under control, “and that our party emerges stronger”.
Kebbi state governor and Chairman of Progressive Governors Forum, Atiku Bagudu 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,” he pledged.
