Headlines
After screening presidential candidates, the APC will decide on zoning.
By Derrick Bangura
Sen. Abdullahi Adamu, National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), has said that the party would decide on zoning after screening its 2023 presidential aspirants.
Adamu said this in an interview with selected Hausa service media organizations late Wednesday night, adding that the presidential aspirants would be scrutinized by the party’s guidelines for the 2023 general elections.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the party’s electoral guidelines provide three methods of choosing its candidates for an election, which include: direct, indirect, and consensus.
Speaking on the party’s zoning arrangement, Adamu said that no decision would be taken until its aspirants were all screened.
“We have not produced our candidate for the presidency yet, we have to screen the aspirants to know the way forward.
“We have aspirants from across the country in the presidential race. We will make the decision when we get there,” the APC national chairman said.
On the number of the presidential aspirants, Adamu said members of the party could not be denied the right to contest for president.
“You can’t stop our party stalwarts from contesting elections or aspiring for the presidency. It is their right, and we are happy for them.
“There is nothing wrong with anybody aspiring for the exalted seat of the president, it is God that decides who gets what.
“We have 28 aspirants for the presidential ticket, and everybody knows that all of them cannot get the ticket. If it’s God’s wish, they all can even be president of the country one after the other.
“Our goal is to ensure justice in the choice of who emerges as the candidate of the party, that does not mean we are perfect, but we pray we do the right thing,” he said.
On the possibility of the party adopting the type of consensus arrangement that produced him as its chairman, Adamu said the chairmanship position was not the same as that of the president.
He stressed that there was no comparison between the two positions.
“However, the party has laid down its rules and regulations for the aspirants, we would scrutinize all of them based on our guidelines to be sure we pick the right candidate for the party,” he said.
He debunked insinuations that a large number of the party’s presidential aspirants was a subtle ploy to extend the tenure of President Muhammadu Buhari in office.
“I can only say that God will deal with those behind such insinuations. President Buhari had 2019 declared that he would not seek a tenure extension.
“He told everybody and swore with the Qur’an that he would not breach constitutional provision on his two terms tenure.
“The issue does not even arise, the president, while performing the Lesser Hajj reiterated this position.
“If there is truth in such talks, none of the aspirants would have procured the party’s Expression of Interest and Nomination forms,” he said.
Speaking on the allegations that the party’s aspirants were sharing money with delegates, Adamu said he had no evidence to that effect.
He said, for now, there was, however, no law against aspirants taking their campaign to delegates.
“I don’t have evidence that aspirants are sharing money with delegates, for me, it’s the delegates that are selling their conscience, which is not proper.
“Our delegates should know that anybody sharing money with them can’t be the right candidate for the party, he doesn’t mean well for the country. I don’t have a solution for the problem,” he said.
With 145 governorship aspirants and 25 presidential aspirants, Adamu explained that politicians were rushing to the APC because it is the government in power with everyone that matter in the country as its member.
“It is because that is where those that matter in the country are. It didn’t start today; we are the government in power.
“Today, despite all the insults, the APC has an advantage far ahead of other political parties.
“Today, the APC is the biggest party in Nigeria. Naturally, it will attract more Nigerians than any other party. This is where it is happening.
“Any right-thinking politician would naturally gravitate towards the APC.
“Of course, we have our problems, but today we are the cynosure of all Nigerians, and I am hopeful, God willing, we will retain power in the general election,” he said.
President Bola Tinubu, on Tuesday arrived in Katsina to receive the remains of the former President Muhammadu Buhari, who passed away in London on Sunday at the age of 82.
Just hours before the burial of former President Muhammadu Buhari, heartfelt tributes have continued to pour in from beneficiaries of his many charitable deeds, with many describing him as a man who never turned his back on the needy.
Speaking to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Tuesday, Aminu Daura, a respected community elder, recalled how Buhari consistently provided foodstuffs during Ramadan for families, friends, widows, and orphans in his hometown.
“He never made noise about it, but many homes had food on their tables during fasting period because of him,” Daura said.
Abdullahi Sani, a physically-challenged man who received a tricycle from the Buhari Foundation in 2021, was overcome with emotion while speaking to NAN.
“I can move around and feed my family today because of Baba Buhari. I pray to Allah to reward him for giving hope to people like me,” he said, in tears.
Hajiya Fatima Yahaya, another resident, remembered Buhari’s acts of kindness during festive seasons.
“Even after he left office, his aides ensured that the usual support still reached us every year. He always remember his people,” she said, referring to his distribution of Sallah rams and food items to indigent families during Eid celebrations.
Other residents of Daura also shared memories of how the late former president quietly paid school fees and medical bills for struggling families, actions rarely publicized.
“Some of us benefited from his silent interventions. He was a true father and a great figure in the society,” said Ali Saidu.
On Monday night, Imams across various mosques in Daura held special Qur’anic recitations, praying for the forgiveness of Buhari’s sins and his eternal peace.
The Chief Imam of Daura Central Mosque, Sheikh Musa Kofar Barau, described Buhari as a humble leader whose legacy of service and compassion would remain alive in the hearts of the people.
Buhari is scheduled to be buried later on Tuesday in his hometown of Daura, Katsina State, in line with Islamic rites. The community is bracing to welcome thousands of mourners from across Nigeria and beyond.
His Majesty King Mohammed VI of Morocco has extended heartfelt condolences to President Bola Tinubu, the family of the late former President Muhammadu Buhari, and the entire Nigerian people following Buhari’s death.
In a message of sympathy, the Moroccan monarch described the passing of the former Nigerian leader as a “sad occurrence,” expressing deep sorrow over the loss.
King Mohammed VI hailed Buhari as “an illustrious leader who worked untiringly to serve his country’s best interests and lead his people toward further progress and prosperity.”
He added: “Our thoughts and prayers are with you and the bereaved. I share your grief and want you to know how much I appreciated the working sessions I had with the deceased.”
Reflecting on their bilateral engagements, the king noted that his collaboration with Buhari led to the launch of promising development projects, “ushering a new era grounded in friendship and close cooperation between our two sister nations.”
Tinubu arrives Katsina to receive Buhari’s body for burial
“He Never Turned His Back on the Needy” — Tributes Pour In Ahead of Buhari’s Burial
King Mohammed VI Mourns Buhari, Praises Legacy of Nigeria’s Former Leader
Facebook, Instagram Temporarily Allow Posts on Ukraine War Calling for Violence Against Invading Russians or Putin’s Death
Nigeria, Other West African Countries Facing Worst Food Crisis in 10 Years, Aid Groups Say
New York Consulate installs machines for 10-year passport
-
Headlines3 years ago
Facebook, Instagram Temporarily Allow Posts on Ukraine War Calling for Violence Against Invading Russians or Putin’s Death
-
Headlines3 years ago
Nigeria, Other West African Countries Facing Worst Food Crisis in 10 Years, Aid Groups Say
-
Foreign3 years ago
New York Consulate installs machines for 10-year passport
-
News10 months agoZero Trust Architecture in a Remote World: Securing the New Normal
-
Entertainment3 years agoPhyna emerges winner of Big Brother Naija Season 7
-
Headlines1 year agoNigeria Customs modernisation project to check extortion of traders
-
Economy1 year agoWe generated N30.2 bn revenue in three months – Kano NCS Comptroller
-
Headlines1 year agoPhilippines’ Vice President Sara Duterte resigns from Cabinet
