President Muhammadu Buhari, in Abuja on Friday, told stakeholders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) that the unity, security and prosperity of Nigeria would matter most to him beyond his days in office as President.
According to reports, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, the APC presidential candidate was not present as President Buhari hosted a delegation led by the party stakeholders at the State House.
Buhari expressed delight that the Party is on towards that eventuality.
This was disclosed in a statement by Femi Adesina, Special Adviser to the President.
The President thanked the delegation led by the National Chairman of the Party, Abdullahi Adamu, “for the kind words on my role in processes leading to the emergence of our candidate, and his running mate, for the Presidential election in February, next year.
“I want to thank you all for the roles you played in the build-up, first to our national convention earlier this year and later to the primary elections.
“You were all of one mind, wanting the best for the Party, with the candidate emerging in a free and fair manner.
“For us all, the cohesion and unity of the Party was the first priority, and ambition was second. I’m glad that you all saw the larger picture rather than narrow, self-serving interests,” Buhari said.
Buhari recounted that when the presidential running mate, Sen. Kashim Shettima, was presented to him a few days ago, he had said he would reserve his comments till the handover ceremony on May 29, 2023, at Eagle Square.
“I still maintain that same position,” Buhari said, hailing party members for acknowledging the many virtues that qualify Shettima for the noble position.
Buhari expressed confidence that Shettima would not disappoint the party and Nigerians at large.
The President also commended the Party for resolving to further mobilize more Nigerians, particularly youths, to register and get their Permanent Voters Cards (PVCs), saying, “It’s the way to go.”
Meanwhile, the National Chairman of the Party, the Chairman, the Progressives Governors Forum and Governor of Kebbi State, Abubakar Atiku Bagudu and Shettima, in separate remarks, expressed gratitude to Buhari for his exemplary leadership, which has strengthened the Party in the aftermath of the convention and primaries.