-Party needs unity than before – Buhari
-Chairman, others get tenure elongation
President Muhammadu Buhari, yesterday, said with the approach of the 2019 elections, the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) needs unity more than before to enable it consolidate on the successes recorded in the last couple of years.
He spoke just as the APC National Chairman, Chief John Odigie- Oyegun admitted that, notwithstanding the string of successes recorded by the administration, the 2019 general elections will be tough for the party.
Speaking at the opening session of national caucus meeting of the APC at the Presidential Villa in Abuja ahead of today’s National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting of the party, he said the party must prepare for elections at all levels wiTh emphasis on the unity of purpose which brought it to power in 2015 The President said he is aware of criticism on the slow pace of his work, especially the delay in appointments of heads and members of boards of government agencies, stressing that he was happy that the issues surrounding the appointments have been resolved.
He said: “I am very much aware of opinions and criticisms about the pace of government. In particular, the delay in appointments to boards of parastatals.
Many boards have been inaugurated so far. “Now that INEC has come out with the timetable for elections in 2019, the party should prepare itself for congresses at wards, local governments, states and he centre.
“We should strictly follow the constitution of the party in undertaking these party elections. We should ensure internal democracy and avoid short cuts and illegal manoeuvres’ which have characterised the opposition party with the consequences that they are now divided.
“The APC has a history of conducting free and fair primaries whenever consensus about any candidacy is not reached. “Regardless of the outcomes of the primary processes, it is imperative that we all work together to ensure the victory of our party. “Before I conclude my address, ladies and gentlemen, please join me in paying tribute to the party members and commend the APC leadership for its keen interest in getting the party manifesto implemented in the states and at the center.”
Tough times ahead
In his remarks, national chairman of the party, Chief John Odigie-Oyegun, said despite the successes recorded by the current administrations, the 2019 elections would be challenging.
He called on members of the party to put aside all differences and work to ensure victory for the party at the next elections. “Disagreements and differences of opinion are normal features of democratic associations, but we must not allow these to develop to the extent that it becomes fatal to the existence of our party, and the achievements of its basic objective of winning elections and forming a government that serves the interests of our people.
“I therefore fully support the Asiwaju Peace Committee constituted by the President to reconcile all aggrieved groups within the party, and I encourage all of us to support the committee. “The success of this committee will provide great impetus to the realisation of victory for the party in the forthcoming general elections.
I wish to note that the road so far has not been smooth sailing, but we have weathered the storm. “We should be truly proud of the achievements of our government at all levels. We must brace ourselves to face and overcome challenges that will come our way this year, and they are going to be tough. Elections are generally very emotive,” he said.
Notable personalities at the meeting include Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, Speaker House of Representatives, Mr. Yakubu Dogora; National leader, Bola Tinubu; governors, members of National Assembly, party stalwarts, ministers and former governors, among others.
Oyegun, others get tenure elongation
Meanwhile, the Forum of state chairmen of the APC has passed a vote of confidence on Chief OdigieOyegun, and expressed support for the much-talked tenure elongation for the party officers at all levels. In a communiqué signed by 31 state chairmen last night after an emergency meeting ahead of today’s National Executive Council (NEC) meeting, the Forum also passed a vote of confidence on President Buhari.
The Odigie-Oyegun-led NWC has been having running battle with some interests within the party, especially as regards the tenure elongation proposal for the party’s national excos.
However, in the communiqué obtained by Blueprint last night, the state chairmen also urged President Buhari to present himself for second tenure come 2019. Among the state chairmen, who signed the communiqué, was Chief Henry Ajomale, who is considered to be a strong supporter of Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
The communiqué read: “In view of the short period between the time available for the proposed party congresses and INEC published time table for conduct of party primaries and general elections, the forum resolved that the tenure of the present officers of the party at all levels be extended by two years to avert challenges in the party.
“In view of the reasons as adduced above, and the fact that the present constitution as amended in 2014 has not been fully tested in the short life of the party, the forum resolved that the proposed amendment of the party constitution be suspended.
“The Forum extends our heartfelt condolences and sympathises with the people of Benue, Adamawa, Taraba, Zamfara, Yobe and Borno states for the attacks on them by the enemies of our dear country.”
