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Tag: APC governors

  • APC governors battle for control of party

    *Buni, Kashim, Bulama, Yerima battle for APC National Secretary slot
    *Okorocha in battle royale with Izunazo, South-East stakeholders
    *Gbemi Saraki leaves option open, may opt for roles in PCO
    *Buhari’s decision may hold the ace on key positions
    *Niyi Adebayo may emerge Deputy National Chairman (South)

    All Progressives Congress (APC) governors and several other party top shots are now locked in a fresh battle for the control of party structures in the wake of the withdrawal of Chief John Odigie-Oyegun from the chairmanship race.

    Odigie-Oyegun confirmed on Friday  ahead of the June 23 national convention of the APC that he would not be seeking a fresh mandate.

    He cited party’s overall interest as his reason.

    His withdrawal leaves the door wide open for ex-Edo State Governor Adams Oshiomhole to replace him.

    But the scramble for other offices has now sparked an intense horse-trading by governors and leaders of the party who want to install their loyalists in the various posts.

    Although Oshiomole already has the backing of President Muhammadu Buhari to replace Oyegun, the president’s strategists are perfecting plans to also  influence the emergence of the party’s next  National Secretary, Deputy National Chairman(North);  Deputy National Chairman (South); National Organizing Secretary, National Publicity Secretary and either National Women Leader or National Youth Leader.

    Some of Buhari’s strategists are understood to be working with some governors and leaders on a Unity List to guide the National Convention.

    However, the outcome of ongoing peace talks between Vice President Yemi Osinbajo and the leaders of the nPDP leaders may alter or enhance the Unity List.

    Mala, Imam, Bulama Yerima seek to be Secretary

    Four party members have emerged as the leading contenders for the post of APC national secretary.

    They are the incumbent, Mallam Mai Mala Buni (Yobe); a cerebral politician, Alhaji Kashim Imam (Borno); Buhari’s ardent loyalist, Waziri Bulama; and Dr. Haruna Yerima.

    A top level party source said party leaders from Borno State have been “agitating for the zoning of the National Secretary to them since Yobe State currently occupies the position of Senate Leader. They also claim that Yobe has maintained the slot since 2014.

    “But Yobe Governor, Alhaji Ibrahim Geidam has been making a strong case for Mai Mala Buni who may have to forego his governorship ambition in 2019 to retain the seat. APC leaders have also alleged that Borno has cornered almost all appointments zoned to the North-East including Chief of Staff to the President,  National Security Adviser, Chief of Army Staff, and others.

    “Bauchi, Gombe, Taraba, and Adamawa are also demanding the office. The governors have however started discussions on how to resolve the issue amicably because the North-East is strategic for the President. Governor Kashim Shettima is coordinating mutual negotiation in this respect.”

    Shuaibu, gov’s candidate jostle for Dep. Chair (North)

    The battle for the post of Deputy National Chairman (North) is likely to be between the incumbent, Senator Lawal Shuaibu who is from Zamfara State and a yet-to-be known candidate being promoted by Governor Nasir el-Rufai and a minister who are uncomfortable that Shuaibu is from the Action Congress of Nigeria caucus of the APC coalition.

    His sin is said to be his political acquaintance over the years with a national leader of the party.

    Shuaibu is highly experienced in party politics and he is enjoying the support of his state governor, Alhaji Abdulaziz Yari.

    Yari has already told some of his colleagues that he will support Shuaibu. Yari allegedly sent three governors to Shuaibu on his position.

    The outgoing National Vice Chairman (North-West), Inuwa Abdulkadir (Sokoto State) might face similar hurdles from el-Rufai, to get re-elected.

    A source said: “The Deputy National Chairman (North) enjoys goodwill among party leaders across the six geopolitical zones. His ongoing efforts to facilitate talks between the Presidency and nPDP leaders might add value to his campaign for re-election.

    “The only challenge facing Shuaibu is from Governor el-Rufai and a minister who are politically uncomfortable with his ACN antecedents. El-Rufai is a favourite of the outgoing National Chairman of APC, Chief John Odigie-Oyegun. But Oyegun and Shuaibu have been patching their relationship in the party’s National Working Committee (NWC).

    “For instance, Oyegun has queried why he was not well-integrated in the ongoing talks with nPDP after he approved of Shuaibu’s initiative. Oyegun complained of allegedly being sidelined.

    “In spite of the fact that Abdulkadir draws much strength from the backing of Governor Aminu Waziri Tambuwal, he has had a running crisis with el-Rufai, whose government demolished Abdulkadir’s house in Kaduna, might not leave his political fate to his political ‘enemy’ in the North-West.

     Niyi Adebayo may have an easy ride as Dep. Chair (South)

    The post of Deputy National Chairman (South) appears destined to return to Ekiti State with former governor of the state, Otunba Niyi Adebayo favoured to get it.

    He will be replacing Engineer Segun Oni who resigned recently to contest the party’s governorship primaries.

    The source rated Adebayo, a “natural choice for the office of Deputy National Chairman (South) which was recently vacated by ex-Governor Segun Oni.”

    It is also expected that Chief Henry Ajomale may emerge as National Vice Chairman (Southwest). Ajomale is immediate past chairman of the party in Lagos State.

     

    Okorocha ready to stop Izunaso’s return as Organising Sec

    The jostle for the National Organizing Secretary has pitched the Chairman of the APC Governors Forum, Governor Rochas Okorocha against party leaders in the South-East led by the Minister of Science and Technology, Dr. Ogbonnaya Onu.

    While the South-East leaders have resolved to back the present office holder, Senator Osita Izunaso, the governor has vowed to resist his choice for allegedly undermining him politically and plotting his loss of party structure in Imo State.

    A top source said: “We opted for Izunaso because he has performed, and in order to sustain the tempo of checking the excesses of Okorocha. In this roforofo fight, Izunaso fits the game plan. Izunaso has his own problems but we are waging a war of liberation against Okorocha and the outgoing National Organizing Secretary is our beacon.

    “We all resolved to separate APC from Okorocha whose conduct might not earn our party electoral fortunes. He has allegedly offended the church which determines the political direction in the South-East. Okorocha is saying as the only APC governor in the South-East, he is more of a political asset than other APC leaders in the zone. He has insisted that the presidency and party leaders should listen to him.

    “But Abuja factor may set in with some loyalists of Buhari already looking forward to the choice of Emeka Nwajuba who has been a long term associate of the President.”

    Bolaji Abdullahi gets rivals for Nat.Publicity secretary post

    The battle for the office of the National Publicity Secretary may turn out to be a battle of senior editors and a blogger.

    The incumbent, ex-Minister Bolaji Abdullahi is being challenged  by his kinsman, Lanre Issa Onilu (who is in Sen. Gbemisola Saraki’s camp), ex-Tell Magazine correspondent, Duro Meseko (who is a former member of the House of Representatives from Kogi State and Abu Sidiqque (Kogi), a loyalist of Buhari being sponsored by some presidential aides.

    Another source added: “Except for the unending rivalry and crisis of confidence among some APC elders, Bolaji has handled the party’s image with maturity and professionalism.

    “His profile as a writer as added value to the image of the party. He has also not allowed prejudices to affect his role as the spokesman of the party. His measured responses to issues in recent times have endeared him to many governors and leaders of APC.

    “But the concerns about him border on the fact that Kwara State has occupied the office in the last four years to the detriment of other states in the North-Central; his political allegiance which may not favour Buhari’s agenda;  and Abdullahi’s  ambition to become the next governor of Kwara State which may leave the office vacant if he secures the ticket.

    “He also faces opposition from Kwara State where some APC leaders have maintained that the slot is meant for Kwara South Senatorial District which led to the emergence of Alhaji Lai Mohammed as the pioneer spokesman of the party.

    “The outcome of the talks between the Presidency and the nPDP leaders from Monday will determine the fate of Abdullahi. But he has to decide between a party post and gubernatorial ticket. He has to trade off one.

    “Apart from his antecedents as a former Group Politics Editor of ThisDay newspapers, the Public Relations dexterity of Lanre Issa Onilu, who once narrowly missed the opportunity of being a minister, has gained him some mileage.  He has managed the image of some high-profile clients leading to international recognition.  He is also in the camp of Sen. Gbemisola Saraki who is now a favourite of the Presidential Villa.

    “On his part, Duro Meseko, who was once a celebrated correspondent with Tell Magazine, is being supported by some APC bigwigs in the state although he belongs to James Faleke’s faction of the party. About 20 governors are said to have endorsed him but this is yet to be verified.

    “Abu Siddique, who is a famous blogger, commands the support of some presidential aides and strategists of the President. He is a sharp and blessed writer.”

    It was also gathered last night that a minister and four governors from the North-Central were meeting on the choice of the party’s spokesman.

    Investigation revealed that more aspirants may join the race in the coming week.

    A member of the National Convention Committee said: “The race is still open, we have not closed nominations at all. There are many offices and we are aware that horse-trading has started.”

    Gbemisola Saraki is said to have temporarily opted to be in the Presidential Campaign Organization of Buhari instead of being National Women Leader of APC.

    Buhari’s strategists appear to be contended with Hajiya Ramatu Aliyu (from the FCT) retaining her position as National Women Leader.

    A source described her yesterday as ‘not harmful.’

    Another source in Buhari’s camp said: “The President holds the ace on some strategic positions in the party including chairmanship, National Secretary, Deputy National Chairman(North);  Deputy National Chairman(South); National Organizing Secretary, National Publicity Secretary and either National Women Leader or National Youth Leader.

    “Our camp is interested in at least seven key positions. We can no longer take things for granted.”

     

  • Buhari, APC governors shop for team to work with Oshiomhole

    •How Buhari sent governors to Oyegun to drop ambition

    The process of assembling a credible and formidable National Working Committee (NWC)  to work with ex-Governor Adams Oshiomhole as the new National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) is gathering steam, according to indications yesterday.

    Actively involved in the process are President Muhammadu Buhari, governors elected on the platform of the party and other leaders.

    Buhari, it was gathered, had on Tuesday night sent APC governors to the current Chairman, Chief John Odigie-Oyegun, to prevail on  him  to drop his planned return for a second term.

    The presidency had been jolted by the incident at the South-South APC meeting in Benin where Oyegun loyalists had tried to fight back.

    Well placed party sources said the return of Oyegun for a second term was already foreclosed by Buhari and his strategists.

    Although some governors and members of Buhari’s cabinet who preferred Oyegun had tried to prevail on the President to have a rethink, security reports available to the presidency were described as “overwhelming.”

    The reports were said to have painted the party to be in a “bad state” and would need a fresh breath of life.

    It was gathered that the management of party funds, including difficulty in paying staff salaries and alleged payment of curious rent allowance of between N15million and N8million each to NWC members, was part of the security reports.

    “The President, most APC governors and some leaders of the party have actually foreclosed the return of Oyegun based on some security reports and the need to reshape the party for 2019 poll,” a top source said.

    The structure of the party, he said, is weak at present and unless it is re-energized, it might not be able to tackle the opposition parties and other forces like the Coalition for Nigeria Movement (CNM).

    Besides, the party is detached from most members, leading to crises in many states, he added.

    “What Buhari and these leaders are doing at present is to shop for a good team which will work with Oshiomhole to return APC to the dream of its founding fathers.

    “These leaders are of the opinion that some NWC members should not come back to office because they did not add value in any manner whatsoever to the party, “ he said.

    Consultations are going on between the President and some leaders of the party, especially governors, on how to reshape APC for better, another source said.

    “The President has expressed his preference for Oshiomhole; it is now left to him to sell the candidate to party leaders. I think this is what he is doing at present.

    “So far, the President and other leaders may build consensus on Oshiomhole who appears prepared for the task ahead,” the source, a Presidential Villa insider, said.

    Responding to a question, the source added: “The President has no personal grudges with Oyegun or NWC members but security reports have indicated that the party is in a bad state.

    “We have a party that cannot pay its own bills, including salaries of staff in spite of the resources at its disposal.

    “The state of finance of APC leaves much to be desired if you consider what it generated between 2015 and 2018. There were cases of payment of all manners of allowances including annual rent or accommodation allowance to NWC members ranging from N8million to N15million.”

    The Nation also gathered that Oyegun knew the game was up following Buhari’s pronouncement of his preference for Oshiomhole as the next National Chairman of APC.

    An NWC member who craves anonymity said: “The President went ahead on Tuesday night to send APC governors to Oyegun to drop his second term ambition if he had any.

    “As matter of fact, the rejection of Oshiomhole by the South-South caucus of APC had boosted the re-election aspiration of Oyegun.

    “But when Buhari’s message came, he became more tactical by telling us that he had ‘no intention’ to seek re-election. It is like eating the humble pie.”

    Asked why Oyegun could not brave the odds, the source added: “Do you expect Oyegun to confront the President of the country? It will amount to political suicide.

    “You can even see the governors formerly backing Oyegun singing different tunes based on the mood of Buhari.”

  • We respect party constitution, say APC governors

    Nigerian Governors Forum (NGF) Chairman Abdulaziz Yari yesterday said there was no crisis in the All Progressives Congress (APC).

    The governors were believed to be divided over  tenure elongation for National Chairman John Odigie-Oyegun and others.

    President Muhammadu Buhari, at the party’s National Executive Committee meeting last Tuesday, insisted on following the party’s constitution on the tenure of the National Working Committee (NWC).

    The meeting of the President and the governors on Tuesday was said to have ended in a deadlock.   But Zamfara State Governor Yari told reporters yesterday that there was no deadlock.

    He was accompanied by Imo State Governor Rochas Okorocha, Ogun State Governor Ibikunle Amosun, Kano State Governor Abdullahi Ganduje and Plateau State Governor Simon Lalong.

    Yari said: “You know yesterday we left you in the dark after the meeting and today we have seen so many captions that there is disagreement between the governors over the issue of party chairman or about the party leadership.

    “No. We had a meeting with Mr. President yesterday (Tuesday), and we extended the meeting to the night and we followed up with the consultations with the President now.

    “We consulted and all the 24 governors of the APC are on the same page with Mr. President, that we are going to respect our party’s constitution, we are going to respect the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. We collectively agreed that we will have congresses at all levels – local, state and national.

    “And the committee set up by the National Secretariat of our party, headed by governor of Plateau State, is presenting its report later today. The governors are also meeting with the working committee today so that we come up with convention committee names as well as timetable of the election.

    “So, there is no deadlock in our meeting; we have progressed and very soon you will have the names of the convention committee members as well as the timetable.”

    Okorocha said: “I just want to let you know that there is no crisis in the APC at all. And we want to use this opportunity to advise the media operatives to stop spreading rumors of crisis in APC. There is no single crisis in APC.

    “The issue was one of people who believe that we did not have enough time to organise a party congress and run election. Some people felt that it was a good idea but the most important thing is that, if we do that we will be contravening both our party constitution and the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. That is the major issue that we have that they call crisis. We do not have crisis.

    “This morning we met with Mr. President to finetune issues, one regarding the congress and we have resolved that the congresses at all levels and the chairman of the elongation committee is also fine-tuning the arrangement in the same line. To this effect, the convention committee will be set out, it will be announced.

    “But, let me correct one impression, the issue of congress and convention does not mean that the previous people who have served the party have done badly. And it does not mean that they cannot come back or that they cannot re-contest, that is not it. We are simply saying that their tenure has ended and those who wish to re-contest; can re-contest and can be elected into our party structure. So we are all one as family and we are set to go for 2019 elections in victory,” Okorocha said.

  • APC governors meet Buhari again in Aso Rock

    Some state governors elected on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC) met with President Muhammadu Buhari at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, on Wednesday morning.

    The meeting was the second in two days.

    Those at Wednesday’s meeting were – Abdulazeez Yari (Zamfara), Simon Lalong (Plateau), Rochas Okorocha (Imo), Abdullahi Ganduje (Kano) and Ibikunle Amosun (Ogun).

    The governors resolved at the meeting to support the President’s position on election of new party executives at the expiration of the current officers’ tenure.

    Details later…

  • APC governors keep mum after meeting Buhari

    None of the All Progressives Congress (APC) governors, who met with President Muhammadu Buhari at the State House on Tuesday, was willing to speak on the outcome of the closed doors meeting.

    They kept sealed lips as they filed out of the meeting, which started at 2:14 p.m. and ended around 3.30 p.m.

    One of the governors confirmed that they were directed not to speak with journalists over issues discussed at the meeting.

    The governors had met briefly among themselves before the President arrived for the meeting.

    They appeared divided over the issue of stoppage of tenure elongation for the National Chairman of the APC, John Odigie-Oyegun.

    Speaking at the APC National Executive Committee meeting last week Tuesday, President Buhari had said “I am delighted to once again welcome you to this National Executive Committee Meeting of our great party. As we usually do, I hope we will take the opportunity of this gathering to resolve outstanding issues and consolidate our plans towards making APC the strongest defender of the interests of our people.

    Read Also: Buhari, APC governors meet in Aso Rock

    “​In particular, I think it is important for me to speak quickly on the contentious issue of the tenure of our National and State Executive Officers. As we all know, a motion was moved at the last National Executive Committee meeting of February 27, 2018, to the effect that when the tenure of the current executives expire in June this year, they should be allowed to continue for one year.

    “​This motion was duly carried by a majority of members present at the last NEC Meeting, even though some of our party members have since spoken up very vehemently against it. Others have even taken the matter to court.

    “On my own part, I have taken some time to review and seek advise on the resolution. And what I found is that it contravenes both our party Constitution and the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.” he said.

    Governors who attended the meeting on Tuesday include Yahaya Bello (Kogi), Jubrilla Bindow (Adamawa), Badaru Abubakar (Jigawa), Rauf Aregbesola (Osun), Atiku Bagudu (Kebbi), Rotimi Akeredolu (Ondo), Abdufattah Ahmed (Kwara).

    Also at the meeting are Godwin Obaseki (Edo), Abdullahi Ganduje (Kano) and Tanko Al- Makura (Nasarawa). Kashim Shettima (Borno), Rochas Okorocha (Imo),

    Others include Akinwunmi Ambode (Lagos), Abiola Ajimobi (Oyo), Abubakar Sani Bello (Niger), Aminu Tambuwal (Sokoto), Abdulaziz Yari (Zamfara), Simon Lalong (Plateau), Samuel Ortom (Benue), Nasir El-Rufai (Kaduna), Ibikunle Amosun (Ogun).

  • Buhari, APC governors meet in Aso Rock

    President Muhammadu Buhari on Tuesday met behind closed doors with governors of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

    The meeting, which was held at the Council Chamber of the State House, Abuja, started when the President arrived the venue at 2:14 p.m.

    Governors at the meeting were – Yahaya Bello (Kogi), Jubrilla Bindow (Adamawa), Badaru Abubakar (Jigawa), Rauf Aregbesola (Osun), Atiku Bagudu (Kebbi), Rotimi Akeredolu (Ondo), Abdufattah Ahmed (Kwara), Godwin Obaseki (Edo), Abdullahi Ganduje (Kano) and Tanko Al- Makura (Nasarawa).

    Others were  – Kashim Shettima (Borno), Rochas Okorocha (Imo), Akinwunmi Ambode (Lagos), Abiola Ajimobi (Oyo), Abubakar Sani Bello (Niger), Aminu Tambuwal (Sokoto), Abdulaziz Yari (Zamfara), Simon Lalong (Plateau), Samuel Ortom (Benue) and Nasir El-Rufai (Kaduna).

  • APC governors: our meeting with Buhari not about 2019

    APC governors: our meeting with Buhari not about 2019

    State Governors of the All Progressives Congress (APC) on Friday said their mission to Daura, Katsina State, was merely to condole with President Muhammadu Buhari over the loss of two members of his extended family.

    The Chairman of the APC Governors’ Forum, Gov. Rochas Okorocha of Imo, stated this when he fielded questions from newsmen after a closed door meeting with President Buhari at his private resident in Daura, on Friday.

    He dismissed media reports that their mission to Daura was aimed at convincing the President to seek re-election in the forthcoming presidential election in 2019.

    He said the governors also used the opportunity to commend the president for appointing Asiwaju Bola Tinubu as APC Chief Mediator.

    https://soundcloud.com/thenationnewspaper/okorocha-our-meeting-with-buhari-not-about-2019

    The president had last week appointed Tinubu  to reconcile aggrieved members of the party.

    “We are yet to discuss that. That would be in next the meeting where we will discuss whether we want to support him to run or not.

    “But for now we came on the issue of the death of his two relatives and to commend him for action taken on  Tinubu as a conciliator,” he said.

    Also speaking on the outcome of the meeting, Gov. Tanko Al-Makura of Nasarawa, said they were in Daura to also sympathise with the president over the involvement of his son, Yusuf, in a ghastly auto-accident and the death of his two relatives.

    He described the appointment of Tinubu as APC chief mediator as a wonderful initiative by the President.

    “After the condolences, we had some very intimate discussion that further bound our relationships and affinity together and I believe this is a continuation of our closed association and support, loyalty and commitment to Mr President’s cause and Nigeria’s cause,” he said.

  • Meeting with Buhari not about 2019 elections – APC governors

    Meeting with Buhari not about 2019 elections – APC governors

    State Governors under the umbrella of the All Progressives Congress (APC) said on Friday their mission to Daura, Katsina State, was merely to condole with President Muhammadu Buhari over the death of two members of his extended family.

    The Chairman of the APC Governors’ Forum, Rochas Okorocha, stated this when he fielded questions from journalists after a closed door meeting with President Buhari at his private home in Daura.

    He dismissed reports that their mission to Daura was aimed at convincing the President to seek re-election in 2019.

    He said the governors also used the opportunity to commend the President for appointing Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu as APC Chief Mediator.

    The President had last week appointed Tinubu to reconcile aggrieved members of the party.

    “We are yet to discuss that. That would be in the next meeting where we will discuss whether we want to support him to run or not.

    “But for now we came to condole with him over the death of his two relatives and to commend him for action taken on Tinubu as a conciliator,’’ the Imo governor said.

    Also speaking on the meeting, Nasarawa State Governor, Tanko Al-Makura,, said the governors were in Daura to sympathise with the President over the involvement of his son, Yusuf, in a motorbike accident and the death of his two relatives.

    He described the appointment of Tinubu as APC chief mediator as a wonderful initiative by the President.

    “After the condolences, we had some very intimate discussion that further bound our relationships and affinity together and I believe this is a continuation of our closed association and support, loyalty and commitment to Mr. President’s cause and Nigeria’s cause,’’ he said.

    NAN

  • Osinbajo meets APC governors in Aso Rock

    Osinbajo meets APC governors in Aso Rock

    Vice President Yemi Osinbajo on Wednesday held a closed doors meeting with state governors elected on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

    However, the purpose of the meeting has not been made public at the time of filling this report.

    The meeting preceded a larger meeting of the Nigerian Governors’ Forum (NGF) slated for the Banquet Hall of the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

    The vice president will also meet the governors at the National Economic Council (NEC) meeting on Thursday.

     

  • APC governors back Buhari for second term

    Some governors of the All Progressives Congress (APC) have thrown their weight behind President Muhmmadu Buhari to seek re-election in 2019.

    In separate interviews before the commencement of the National Executive Committee meeting of the party in Abuja, the governors said tthe believe that President Buhari’s integrity and his performance since 2015 remain unbeatable.

    Plateau State Governor Simon Lalong said all the governors had agreed to work for the President’s re-election.

    “Concerning the issue of sole ticket for Mr President, I want to say that if Mr President is performing, well respected and carrying everybody along, all of us have resolved that we will work for him.

    “Do we have any other person that will challenge the President? Whatever you call it, as far as we are concerned, we have one President and that is the ticket we will fly.

    “I want to assure you that you won’t see a wrangling party after the meeting.. From now onwards, it will be a focused governance from Mr President and all the governors from the states. We have all resolved to support Mr President.”

    Nasarawa State Governor Tanko Al-Makura said: “For anybody to preempt the consensus opinion of the people is to say the least, not fair to the vision of our party. I can tell you that if there is anything that is clandestine, the President will not honour it, so let us wait and see as we embark on these meetings.

    “I believe the consensus and the preponderance of opinion of all party members will be what is good for this country, and we have already known the will of this country, the future of this country as we are now as a country is associated with one person, who is impeccable, who has the greatest amount of integrity that you can find in any human being around, so your guest is as good as mine.”

    Kebbi State Governor Atiku Bagudu said: “the performance of the President in the last two and half years suggest that if he wants to contest, l will certainly support him and l know that our party members feel the same about him.”

    Imo State Governor Rochas Okorocha said he would  only sacrifice his presidential ambition to support the President if he is interested in seeking a second term in office.

    He said: “If Mr president wants to run for election, he will follow all the processes and if he is the person, we will all support him. In APC , there is no imposition of candidate. If Buhari is running, I will allow that man to continue but if he is not running, I won’t sacrifice my Presidential ambition.

    “Mr President is showing the right leadership and taking the very right steps and there is reconciliation going on even with nobody talking about it. There is the spirit of reconciliation and people understand their role.

    “Our role is to make this party great and we are all trying to do that input own form but importantly the governor have remained the pivot upon which this wheels of change has rotated so far, we have kept this party working and after this meeting our congresses and convention will commence in the early part of next year and all party organs will be strengthened. We are in good mood and high spirits.”