Leaders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the South-South geopolitical zone have adopted President Muhammadu Buhari for reelection at the 2019 presidential election.
This was the outcome of a meeting of the South-South Zonal Caucus of the APC.
The meeting which ended in the early hours of Wednesday, was held at the Abuja residence of the immediate past governor of Edo State, Adams Oshiomhole.
Reading the communique after the meeting, National Vice Chairman, South-South APC, Ntufam Hilliard Etta, said the president’s unanimous endorsement was occasioned by successes recorded in the areas of anti-corruption, security as well as achievements in the agricultural and economic sectors which saw the country out of recession.
“Caucus acknowledged the changes in the Nigerian political economy and commended the excellent performance of the President Muhammadu Buhari Administration and enjoined Nigerians to continue to support the administration in every way possible.
“Recognising the very successful war against corruption, the effective degradation of Boko Haram, the very laudable agricultural and economic policies that have seen us out of recession, the continuing high regard for his person and leadership around the world that have promoted a bright new image for Nigeria, the credibility he continues to enjoy among the vast majority of Nigerians and among APC members, and the need for continuity in policy and programs, the Caucus of the APC South-South Zone, unanimously adopted and endorsed President Muhammadu Buhari to run for a second term as President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria,” the communique read.
They expressed commitment to work assiduously to ensure the success of the president’s reelection.
Although two former Heads-of-State Olusegun Obasanjo and Ibrahim Babangida had openly asked President Buhari not to seek reelection in 2019, the President is yet to formally declare his intention to run for a second term in office.
However, the stalwarts expressed concern that such methods of communication promotes disaffection and heats up the polity.
The communique read: “Caucus noted with regret, the current tendency of some political leaders to write letters rather than follow existing open lines of communication and dialogue. lt noted that such methods of political engagement can only breed disaffection and mediate the on-going effort at repositioning our economy for growth and development. It therefore called on poiitical leaders to join hands with President Muhammadu Buhari to contain all forms of vioience, strengthen the foundation of our polity, expand and grow the economy and continue to promote sustainable growth, peace and people-centered development.
“On the herdsmen issue, Caucus strongly condemns in strong terms the killings of Nigerians and sincerely and deeply sympathises with the States, Communities and families that have been affected, expressed full confidence in the Presidential Committee headed by the Vice President, Professor Yemi Osinbajo and enjoined leaders and governments at all levels to work with the Committee to find lasting and sustainable solutions to the problem”.
The communique was signed by the Governor of Edo State, Godwin Obaseki; his predecessor Adams Oshiomhole; Minister of Transportation Rotimi Amaechi; Minister of State, Petroleum Ibe Kachikwu; his counterpart in Niger Delta Affairs, Usani Usani and Minister of State for Health, Osagie Ehanire.
Others are: Senior Special Assistant to the President on National Assembly (Senate), Ita Enang; Deputy Majority Whip, Francis Alimikhena; Chairman Senate Committee on Federal Road Maintenance Agency (FERMA) Magnus Abe as well as elder statesmen Don Etiebet and Frank Kokori.
Other party leaders at the meeting include: Deputy Governor of Edo State, Phillip Shuaibu; Minister of Budget and National Planning Udoma Udo Udoma; Chairman Senate Committee on Finance, John Enoh; Chairman Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Victor Ndoma-Egba among others.
