Nigerian Opposition APC Settles On General Buhari As Its Presidential Candidate – Sources
https://nigeriaafrica1.blogspot.com/2014/03/nigerian-opposition-apc-settles-on.html
Sources in the All Progressives Congress (APC) say that the party may have decided on General Muhammadu Buhari as its presidential candidate, the Sunday Independent reports.
Buhari, 71, obtained APC membership card this year, on February 8. But the first indications that the former head of state may contest the party's presidential primary emerged in August.
Some of the APC leaders told Sunday Independent that Buhari candidature could guarantee vast support for the APC from the North-west and North-east, because, the sources said, most people in the North still see the former head of state as the messiah.
According to the sources, Buhari seems to be the only person with qualities antithetical to any potential candidate from the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). This alternative, the sources said, may give additional votes to the opposition party.
One of the leaders from the Middle Belt said that Buhari is the only Nigeria's leader who is not corrupt. He also called him a unifying figure within the party.
Sunday Independent gathered that the major headache of the APC at the moment is how to conduct transparent primary in which Buhari will emerge the winner.
Sources noted that the APC leadership is being very conscious that Nigerians are watching its nomination process as a test of whether the party will respect its constitution and is committed to a credible and transparent nomination process.
"You can only envisage what would happen if the party failed to field Buhari. Remember that there are many people who joined the APC because of Buhari and they are ready to do everything for him," said the source who required anonymity as he was not authorised to speak on the matter.
Therefore, the party's leadership urged all Buhari’s sympathisers to redouble their efforts to ensure that he wins the presidential ticket in a democratic manner.
"So, it’s something we have to manage very well. In fact, I can tell you emphatically that the unity of the party would be greatly affected if Buhari is not picked as our presidential candidate," the source added.
Sunday Independent reports that another party leader said in a telephone interview that the APC leaders were well aware of the tag of a serial presidential loser attached to Buhari.
Some of the APC leaders told Sunday Independent that Buhari candidature could guarantee vast support for the APC from the North-west and North-east, because, the sources said, most people in the North still see the former head of state as the messiah.
According to the sources, Buhari seems to be the only person with qualities antithetical to any potential candidate from the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). This alternative, the sources said, may give additional votes to the opposition party.
One of the leaders from the Middle Belt said that Buhari is the only Nigeria's leader who is not corrupt. He also called him a unifying figure within the party.
Sunday Independent gathered that the major headache of the APC at the moment is how to conduct transparent primary in which Buhari will emerge the winner.
Sources noted that the APC leadership is being very conscious that Nigerians are watching its nomination process as a test of whether the party will respect its constitution and is committed to a credible and transparent nomination process.
"You can only envisage what would happen if the party failed to field Buhari. Remember that there are many people who joined the APC because of Buhari and they are ready to do everything for him," said the source who required anonymity as he was not authorised to speak on the matter.
Therefore, the party's leadership urged all Buhari’s sympathisers to redouble their efforts to ensure that he wins the presidential ticket in a democratic manner.
"So, it’s something we have to manage very well. In fact, I can tell you emphatically that the unity of the party would be greatly affected if Buhari is not picked as our presidential candidate," the source added.
Sunday Independent reports that another party leader said in a telephone interview that the APC leaders were well aware of the tag of a serial presidential loser attached to Buhari.
