President Muhammadu Buhari on Tuesday challenged the Governors of the All Progressives Congress, APC, and the party leadership to work hard to reflect the virtues and values of the party in the forthcoming convention to pick a presidential candidate.
The President made the charge at a meeting with the the 22 Governors and the National Chairman of the party, Senator Abdullahi Adamu.
He said that as the processes for the 2023 General Elections have commenced in earnest, the APC which is implementing the bluprint blueprint for a more prosperous nation should give serious attention to internal party cohesion and a strong leadership brand to achieve the target objective of electoral victory.
The President’s comment were contained in a statement by his Senior Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Mr Femi Adesina shortly after the meeting on Tuesday.
He called on the governors to ensure the party remains focused in accordance with the expectations of Nigerians and the International community.
“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…
“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 are Brought on board.
Governors, Governor of Kebbi State, and Chairman of Progressive Governors Forum, Atiku Bagudu, said the party must build on successes of its recent elective national 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.
