2023: Buhari Meets APC Elders, Insists on Picking Consensus Candidate
POLITICS DIGEST- President Muhammadu Buhari has once again hinted that a consensus candidate is the best option for the All Progressives Congress (APC) as it commences it’s presidential primaries in the next few hours.
The President also hinted that he would lead the process that would guide the party to the arrival of that single candidate who is capable of winning the presidential election for the ruling party.
According to a statement by his spokesman, Femi Adesina, President Buhari assured, as he did to the Governors and the aspirants, that in the interest of the nation and the party, he would lead the transition processes and on-going consultations, “till we successfully choose our candidate for the 2023 presidential elections and record our third straight victory, thereafter, by God’s grace.”
The President made this known at a meeting held on Sunday night at State House, Abuja, with members of the National Advisory Council of the APC.
Read Also:
“President Muhammadu Buhari appraised the series of consultations held so far towards getting a widely acceptable presidential standard bearer, and concluded: we are on the way towards winning our third straight victory since 2015,” the statement read in part.
Saying the meeting was convened to provide leadership and direction during the transition period, the President added that the motive was “to strengthen our unity and to focus on building upon our electoral fortunes.”
He added: “I am optimistic that the outcome of this consultation with the National Advisory Council will in addition to sharpening our focus, help to fortify the positive democratic principles, practices and culture that already exists within the party system.
He said that in the circumstances, in order to prevent any post-convention acrimonies and also reduce noticeable anxiety among members on the possible outcome of the process, the party leadership has recommended the intensification of consultation and consensus building to reduce the number of aspirants as it approaches the convention, which commences Monday.
Responding on behalf of the National Advisory Council (hitherto known as Board of Trustees) members, former Internal Affairs Minister and Senator, Major General Mohammed Magodo (retd), former Osun State Governor and first Interim National Chairman of the party, Chief Bisi Akande, and former Senate President, Chief Ken Nnamani, thanked the President for the consultative meetings.
