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.
