President Muhammadu Buhari
President Muhammadu Buhari has urged leaders and members of All Progressives Congress (APC) to channel their energies toward improving the fortunes of the party in the coming elections by avoiding squabbling that easily distract and create disharmony.
The president made the call when he received APC National Assembly leadership at the State House, Abuja on Thursday.
President Buhari reminded them of the proximity of the election dates set by INEC, admonishing that positions should be harmonised with a bigger picture of winning elections and providing good governance.
“As you all know, the National Convention of our party, which we have committed to, is holding on March 26. And we cannot afford to do anything that will jeopardise the chances of the party in the 2023 General Elections.
“The limited time frame of the INEC time table does not permit us any room for delay or further squabbling. We must therefore in the light of this reality consistently keep our eyes on the ball and refuse any distraction.
“A critical segment of our national democratic process is the National Assembly.
“Being representatives of our people from all over the country, the National Assembly especially the 9th Assembly has exhibited commitment to a peaceful democratic process in its conduct and utmost maturity in its relationship with other arms of government, I commend you, the leadership for this success,” he said.
He added:“Distinguished Senators and Honorable Members, we have an obligation to conduct the upcoming convention in a manner that not only fortifies the unity of our party but also improves the prospects of our electoral fortunes in the 2023 general elections.
“You have an important role to play in ensuring that this happens.”
President Buhari told the lawmakers that a zoning template was produced and adopted by the party after wide consultations in order to ensure that the leadership was reflective of the country ‘s diversity, while representing various dynamic interests.
“It is imperative that we adhere to that template.
“The time available to us is limited and I therefore enjoin you to collaborate with the various stakeholders within and outside your respective states and zones to agree to work together and harmoniously in electing into the allotted positions appropriately, as stipulated in the provided template.
“This will not only produce a smooth process and limit friction but will enhance the image of the party positively and strengthen our over-all position of dominance in the political space,’’ he said.
The president said he met with the governors and the party national chairmanship aspirants on Wednesday, to reiterate the need to go into the convention with a united front.
“It is the same reason why I invited you today.
“We should all do our part to ensure the success of this convention. This will fortify us for the campaigns ahead of us,” Buhari said.
The APC lawmakers were led to the meeting by Senate President, Ahmad Lawan and Speaker Femi Gbajabiamila.
The Senate President, who spoke to State House correspondents at the end of the meeting, said the meeting was held at the instance of the Nigerian leader to ensure a rancor-free convention as well as remain focused in delivering development projects to Nigerians.
He said the National Assembly had also resolved to work towards the emergence of consensus candidates to ensure smooth convention.
The resolution is coming ahead of Saturday’s National convention of the All Progressives Congress (APC).
He said that the president emphasised the need for party members to be united ahead of the convention, adding that it was a very important exercise for the party.
He expressed the hope that the party would achieve consensus for all its positions at the national level before Saturday.
He affirmed that their meeting with the president had galvanised them to do more for the nation.
