Ahead of the National Convention of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), slated for June 6, President Muhammadu Buhari has sought the support of governors on APC platform to allow him pick his successor.
Buhari in an address to the Progressive Governors Forum’ meeting on Tuesday at the presidential villa, Abuja, said appeal to allow him pick his successor was based on the dynamics of the environment, but he would do that in consonance with the policies of the party.
He said the APC must strive to retain power at the centre and at the State levels and any successor must have the capacity to deliver on dividends of democracy, noting that his leadership in the last seven years has provided dividends of democracy even to the opposition members of other political parties.
He said: “In keeping with the established internal policies of the party and as we approach the Convention in a few days, therefore, I wish to solicit the reciprocity and support of the Governors and other stakeholders in picking my successor, who would fly the flag of our party for election into the office of the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria in 2023.
“You will all recall that APC came to power at the center in 2015 through a cohesive machinery, notwithstanding its status as the opposition party. Similarly, in 2019, it was returned to power under my leadership, because of the dividends of democracy delivered to Nigerians irrespective of their political leanings.
“The Party has since grown in strength and capacity to govern. The key to both electoral successes is the ability of the party to hold consultations and for its members to put the nation above other interests.
Buhari pointed out internal cohesion and leadership as critical during the transition period so as to win election, stressing that his administration was still implementing the blueprint of the party for a more prosperous country.
“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 at state levels.
“In pursuit of the foregoing objectives, the Party has successfully established internal policies that promote continuity and smooth succession plans even at the state and local government levels.
“For example, first term Governors who have served credibly well have been encouraged to stand for re-election. Similarly, second term Governors have been accorded the privilege of promoting successors that are capable of driving their visions as well as the ideals of the party.
“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.
“As we approach the Convention, I appeal to all of you 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.”
Buhari said, consultation was still ongoing among all aspirants, adding all stakeholders would be brought on board right through to the convention.
“This would also ensure that any anxiety occasioned by different factors are effectively brought under control and that our party emerges stronger.”
