APC Convention: Govs Support Consensus
Twenty-four hours to the national convention of the All Progressives Congress (APC), its caucus in the National Assembly has resolved to work towards the emergence of consensus candidates.
Observers believe the development is a boost for the aspiration of former Nasarawa governor, Senator Abdullah Adamu, as President Muhammadu Buhari, had reortedly endorsed him for the exalted position at a meeting with governors elected on the platform of the party recently. Described as a detribalised Nigerian, if elected national chairman, his backers said he would stabilise, unify and reposition the party for electoral victories
Buhari 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.
Briefing State House Correspondents after the meeting, yesterday, Senate President, Ahmed Lawan, explained that the president emphasised the need for party members to be united. Asked if the party had arrived at a consensus for the position of the chairman and what would happen to those who bought forms, Lawan said they were not in the position to answer. “Well, I think that question shouldn’t be put to us because we’re not the party. But because you asked and we are in your territory, we’ll make some effort to say something to it. The essence of this engagements is for the party to achieve consensus, and consensus is a process. It doesn’t just happen like that. So, I believe that before we go into the convention square on Saturday, by the grace of God, we would have a lot of consensus reached and may be the sort of document that we call or refer to as unity list, that is bringing all the agreed positions where consensus have been achieved in the various sections or geopolitical zones of the country.
Speaker Femi Gbajabiamila described the meeting as productive. “As many of you are aware, the president, in the last couple of days, has been having meetings with stakeholders towards the convention. The whole idea is to encourage all stakeholders to unite, have a common front, and a peaceful, rancour-free and successful convention.”
Some of the principal officers in the delegation inluded Deputy Senate President, Ovie Omo-Agege, Senator Abdullahi Yahaya, Senate Leader, Ajayi Boroffice Deputy Senate Leader, Chief Whip, Dr. Orji Uzor Kalu, Deputy Chief Whip, Sabi Abdullahi, Deputy Speaker, Idris Wase, Alhassan Ado Dogowa – Majority Leader, Mohammed Tahir Monguno- Chief Whip and Nkeiruka Onyejeocha Deputy Chief Whip.
President Buhari urged leaders and members of the party to channel their energies into improving fortunes of the party in the forthcoming elections, and avoid squabbling that can easily distract and create disharmony.
According to a statement by Mr. Femi Adesina, Buhari, the president reminded members of the proximity of the election dates set by INEC and admonished that positions should be harmonised with a bigger picture of winning elections and providing good governance.
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