President Muhammadu Buhari has stated that the ruling All Progressives Congress presidential aspirants should pick a consensus candidate among themselves ahead of the party’s primary on June 6.
Buhari disclosed this on Saturday night in the meeting he had with the aspirants at the Aso Rock Villa, Abuja.
He said the party must elect a formidable candidate to fly its flag in the 2023 elections.
“I wish to remind you that our choice of flag bearer must be formidable, appealing to the electorate across the board and should command such ability to unify the country and capacity to address our critical challenges.
“Ahead of the Convention, the party machinery has screened and found all aspirants eminently qualified. Recognizing this fact, the Screening Committee has, amongst others, recommended that consensus building through consultation, be intensified.
“Without prejudice to your qualifications, I urge all of you to hold consultations amongst yourselves and with the party, with a view to building a consensus in a manner that would help the party reduce the number of aspirants, bring up a formidable candidate and scale down the anxiety of party members.”
The President assured that in the interest of the nation and the party, he would continue to provide effective leadership during the transition processes and on-going consultations, “until we successfully make the choice on the candidate that will fly the flag of our party for the presidential elections and make the party stronger. I seek your support in this all important responsibilit
DAILY GIST reported that Buhari alongside 11 northern governors backed a southern aspirant for the ruling party.
The development that led Jigawa Governor Badaru to withdraw from the presidential race, according to a statement from the governors on Saturday night.
The announcement comes as President Muhammadu Buhari meets 13 aspirants cleared to contest the party’s primaries on June 6-8 in Abuja.
