• Says consensus key to survival of the party, reduces anxiety

President Buhari has again underscored the need to intensify consultation towards consensus building ahead of the Monday presidential primary of the All Progressives Congress, APC.

The President, while speaking with the members of the National Advisory Council of the All Progressives Congress, APC, formerly known as Board of Trustees, said, consensus building and consultation have played critical role in the survival and success of political parties all over the world.

Buhari however maintained that the APC should not be an exception, adding that he has continued to lead in the process of the consultation and consensus building.

The President reminded the Council of his meeting with the Progressives Governors Forum and the 23 aspirants contesting the office of the President where the same issues were discussed.

This move, Buhari recalled, followed the recommendation of the John Oyegun led presidential screening committee of the Party.

He said that in the circumstances, in order to prevent any post-convention acrimonies and also reduce noticeable anxiety among members on the possible outcome of the process, the party leadership has recommended the intensification of consultation and consensus building to reduce the number of aspirants as it approaches the convention.

The President said in order to further support the efforts of the party, he has admonished the aspirants to consult among themselves and with the party, so that the objective of the recommendation by the leadership would be actualized.

“I am optimistic that the outcome of this consultation with the National Advisory Council will in addition to sharpening our focus, help to fortify the positive democratic principles, practices and culture that already exists within the party system.

“In the course of these consultative processes, I have already met separately with the Progressive Governors and with all our eminent members who are aspiring to become the Presidential flag bearer for our party during the 2023 elections.

“I am pleased to inform you that those meetings have been fruitful and indicative of a party that is prepared and marching towards a third straight victory since 2015, at the presidential polls.”

On the Governors meeting, Buhari told the Council, “I underscored the important roles consensus building and consultation have played in the survival of successful political parties around the world, adding that our party should not be an exception.

“Recognizing the foregoing, therefore, I also emphasized the need to strengthen our unity, stabilize our internal cohesion and system as well as present a formidable Presidential candidate who has the ability to build a unified nation and the capacity to deal with our challenges.

The party machinery has also screened all our aspirants to the office of the President and found that they consist of eminent personalities, rich in experience, capacity, commitment to service and accomplishment in life. This gives us a lot of confidence but it also comes with its challenges.

Recognizing the network of the Party leaders, Buhari called on the Council members to reach out to their various spheres of influence to actively promote the spirit of consultation and consensus building.

“And as members of the National Advisory Council of the APC, with diverse interests, spheres of influence and expectations, you similarly possess the collective ability to ensure our victory at the 2023 polls by strengthening the stability and unity of the party.

“My charge and appeal to all of you, therefore, is to reach out to your various spheres of influence to actively promote the spirit of consultation and consensus building so that a formidable candidate for the 2023 Presidential elections would emerge from the convention.  Our citizens do not expect less from us.”

President Buhari assured that in the interest of the nation and the Party, he would lead the transition processes and on-going consultations, “till we successfully choose our candidate for the 2023 presidential elections and record our third straight victory, thereafter, by God’s grace.”

Responding on behalf of the Council members, former Internal Affairs Minister and Senator, Major General Mohammed Magodo (retd), former Osun State Governor and first Interim National Chairman of the party; Chief Bisi Akande, and former Senate President, Chief Ken Nnamani, thanked the President for the consultative meetings, and commended him for the great service he had rendered to the country, particularly in the areas of agriculture and infrastructure.

They were unanimous that with hard work and a united front, the APC would win the presidential election billed for February next year, as well National Assembly, governorship, and State Assembly polls.