APC Convention: Aspirants who Step Down must Get Refund – Buhari

APC Convention: Aspirants who Step Down must Get Refund – Buhari

By Kabir Akintayo

President Muhammadu Buhari has given a directive to the All Progressives Congress (APC) Caretaker Extraordinary Convention Planning Committee (CECPC) to refund aspirants who bought forms and have stepped down for the party’s consensus arrangement.

Buhari said this during the meeting with APC Governors at the State House, Abuja on Wednesday.

The party stakeholders and the President had been at loggerheads before the meeting as some governors threatened to go against his choice of party leaders.

The meeting was therefore meant to resolve issues around the party and adopt a unity list.

At the meeting, the President urged all stakeholders to put the party first to avoid jeopardising it’s chances in 2023.

He said: “Your Excellencies, I would like to express my gratitude to you all for the work you have done and are doing and your continued partnership and fortified alliances with the Federal Government over the years.

“When we came together to form the All Progressives Congress, nearly 8 years ago our goal was National Salvation, our resolve was unshakable, our motivation was patriotic and noble.

“Consequently, by the Grace of God we were rewarded with victory in the 2015 General Elections in a free and fair election.

“As I said at that meeting, our Party chose its leadership by consensus. I again plead that we choose our next leadership by consensus. This is consistent with the spirit of democracy, the Party’s Constitution and the Nigerian Constitution.

“I have already given my own input and other recommendations on the way forward in both my 25th February, 2022 meeting with the Chairman of the Caretaker Extraordinary Convention Committee and my 13th March, 2022 letter to the Chairman of the APC Governors Forum.

“With the convention only two days away I implore you to come together and sort out all the remaining party positions so that within the next 24 hours we can arrive at a Unity List which we can take to the convention.

“Finally all those who have bought forms indicating interest and have been dropped should have their money refunded without delay.”