I’m Ready To Contest Against Anybody In APC – Buhari

Former military head of state and leader of the Congress for Progressive Change (CPC) General Muhammadu Buhari and former Kano State Governor Ibrahim Shekarau have stated that democratic tenets would be adhered to in the selection of a presidential candidate for the proposed All Progressives Congress (APC).

The two former presidential candidates, who spoke to journalists after the maiden edition of the Sam Nda-Isaiah Lecture Series organised by Integrity Icons International at Legbo Kutigi International Conference Centre, Minna, Niger State, stated that, as enshrined in democracy, everybody is free to aspire to any position in the party.

On whether he would be ready to step down if there were other aspirants from the proposed APC, Buhari stated: “That is democracy; whoever thinks he’s got a chance, let him come out.”

Asked whether he was ready to contest against any other aspirant that may emerge from the APC, Buhari answered in the affirmative. He said that all political parties billed to merge into APC were working assiduously to meet up with the guidelines and form a formidable party.

Earlier at the lecture, Buhari stated that Sam Nda-Isaiah has a lot of courage and commitment, adding that he has made contributions in the best interest of the country by putting people in government in check.

 “I believe we are facing challenges in this country that concern insecurity and economy, which are the bane of this country,” he said.

 The former head of state also called on government to wake up and make sure that the economy is improved so that the youths could be less reckless and there would not be militants in the south-south and Boko Haram in the north.

APC’ll creat level playing field – Shekarau
Also speaking to journalists, Shekarau stated that the APC, if formed, would create a level-playing field for all aspirants in line with democratic culture.

According to him, the APC is out to rescue Nigeria and has reached an advanced stage in the process of merger, as the party would formally write to INEC after the ANPP and CPC conventions billed for this month.

Earlier at the lecture series, Shekarau had stated jokingly to Sam Nda-Isaiah, “As a pharmacist, you are welcome to APC to join us at the laboratory in manufacturing APC for Nigeria. I know you’ll be on board at the appropriate time.” He urged all Nigerians in positions of authority to live up to the expectations of the people.

I’ll declare my presidential ambition at the right time – Kwankwaso
Meanwhile, the Kano State Governor Musa Kwankwaso, yesterday cleared the air over his 2015 presidential ambition when he told journalists in Borno State that he would declare his interest “at the right time,” Premium Times reported.

The governor was said to have concluded plans to contest the presidential election in 2015. He is not eligible to re-contest as Kano governor in 2015.

Kwankwaso made his first public statement on his rumoured ambition at the Government House, Maiduguri, on Tuesday, shortly after presenting a N20 million cheque as part of his government’s support to the Borno State government over the recent Baga killings.

Governor Shettima, who acknowledged the Kano State governor’s gesture as the first ever made by a state government in Nigeria, responded with encomiums on Kwankwaso whom he described as the most versatile politician with robust experience in all spheres of governance in Nigeria.

Journalists, who perceived the Borno governor’s praises as an endorsement, asked Kwankwaso if he truly nursed the ambition of running for the Nigerian presidency.

He said, “For now, we are walking round the clock to ensure peace and stability in our state, and security in the entire region. But I want to assure Nigerians that, as a team player, when the time comes, I will make my intentions known.

“I am not the kind of person who goes about blowing his trumpet anyhow. My brother, the Borno State governor, has showered so much praises on my humble self to the extent that I wanted to stop him. But probably that is what a true friend and brother should do for a friend: telling the world that this is the quality that makes one tick.”

culled from leadership nigeria