Presidential primaries: APC may adopt consensus as Buhari, governors meet over convention

President Muhammadu Buhari has the All Progressives Congress (APC) special convention to pick a presidential candidate should show that the ruling party has democratic principles.

Telescope.ng reports that while speaking at a meeting with APC governors at Aso Rock on Tuesday, May 31, Buhari said he recognises the need to show “strong” leadership to ensure that transitions out of office in an orderly manner.

The president said since assuming office, the APC has been implementing its blueprint for a prosperous country.

He said: “The processes for the 2023 general election have commenced in earnest and I note that the most successful political parties globally have always relied on their internal cohesion and a strong leadership brand to achieve bigger electoral fortunes.

“Our party, the APC, shall not be any different, more so as we are still implementing the blueprint for a more prosperous nation.

“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, holds the great majority in various legislative chambers and also gains an 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 election.

“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.”

Buhari said the party’s objective in 2023 should be victory.

“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,” he said.

On his part, Atiku Bagudu, chairman of the Progressives Governors Forum (PGF), said the party must build on its recent elective convention.

“We will support Mr. President to have a very successful convention.”