As the primaries of the All Progressives Congress draws closer, there are indications that the governors and leaders of the party are becoming divided over which of the aspirants will be in a better position to defeat President Goodluck Jonathan of the Peoples’ Democratic Party next year.
The two major APC presidential aspirants are former Head of State, Maj.-Gen. Muhammadu Buhari and former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar, though Kano State Governor, Dr. Rabiu Kwankwaso, is also interested in the APC ticket.
Gen. Mohammed Buhari and Atiku Abubakar
Atiku declared his interest on September 24, and he later picked presidential nomination form at the All Progressives Congress (APC) national headquarters in Abuja.
According to Punch investigations, the APC National Leader, Asiwaju Ahmed Tinubu is rooting for Buhari who declared his intention to contest for presidency on October 15. Buhari’s declaration in Abuja was attended by Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babatunde Fashola; Rivers State Governor, Mr. Rotimi Amaechi; and Tinubu’s wife, Senator Oluremi.
There is division among the APC governors over which of the candidates to support.
A source who pleaded anonymity said Gov Amaechi and three other governors were in support of Buhari, adding that Kwankwaso would step down for Buhari.
Dr. Muyideen Akorede, the spokesperson for Kwara State Governor, Dr. Abdulfatah Ahmed, said the governor would support whoever emerges as the APC candidate after the primary.
The APC Publicity Secretary in Ogun State, Mr. Sola Lawal, said the state governor, Senator Ibikunle Amosun, would support the candidate of his choice among those vying for the party’s ticket.
The APC Chairman in Bayelsa State, Chief Tiwe Orunimighe, said delegates from the state will vote for the person they like based on the aspirant’s manifestoes.
However, the APC National Publicity Secretary, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, has dismissed as untrue claims that the appearance of the party’s chieftains at Buhari’s rally was equal to an endorsement.
“Those who attended the rally are those who were personally invited by Gen. Buhari. It was agreed at the APC National Working Committee that all the NWC members must be neutral. The National Secretary was, however, mandated to represent NWC at all aspirants’ declaration,” Mohammed said.
Meanwhile, there have been speculations that the Edo State Governor, Adams Oshiomhole, who is also an APC member has joined the presidential race.
His Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Mr. Louis Odion, said Oshiomhole stood a better chance of clinching victory for the party based on his leadership integrity.
Recall that on September 24, 2014, Governor Adams Oshiomhole reportedly made his intention to vie for presidency in the 2015 general election known in a letter submitted to the leadership of the APC.
Gov Oshiomhole has however debunked speculations about his alleged presidential ambition.
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