President Muhammadu Buhari has explained why he remained neutral and permitted delegates to vote for their favorite presidential candidate at the All Progressives Congress’ special convention and presidential primary.
When he paid a Sallah visit to the Emir of Katsina, Dr. Abdulmumin Usman Kabir, in his palace, the President discussed what transpired in the days leading up to the party’s convention on Saturday in Katsina.
In describing what transpired prior to Bola Tinubu’s emergence as the party’s candidate, Buhari stated that the delegates were allowed full reign to select him (Tinubu) in order to demonstrate the party’s internal democracy.
According to him, party leaders initially presented me with a list of thirty presidential candidates from which I was urged to select a candidate of my choosing.
The President stated that instead of selecting or anointing a candidate, he allowed the delegates to select the candidate of their choosing, which resulted in Tinubu’s election.
“I was given a list of thirty (30) candidates to choose from,” stated Buhari, speaking in Hausa. The majority were ministers and governors. Therefore, who will I support or choose?
“One of the governors came to meet me and inquired as to whom we would choose.
“If I did that, it would have an impact on my Vice President because he was listening to our talk.” Then, I instructed them to choose whom they desire.
Thus, Tinubu was selected as the presidential candidate for the APC.
He said, “I hope the upcoming general elections in 2023 will be as peaceful as the APC’s last convention, where the National Chairman, presidential candidate, and running mate were elected.
“I pray that God will grant us the ability to hold the general election peacefully.”
Nonetheless, he urged Nigerians to allow peace to rule during the 2023 general elections.
Regarding Nigeria’s insecurity, the President stated that his administration was making every effort to address the issue.
“May God provide us the wisdom to serve more people,” he prayed.