by Panshak Ibrahim

Senator Bukola Saraki has stated that the emergence of Muhammadu Buhari as the presidential aspirant of the All Progressives Congress, shows that the opposition party is built on internal democracy, transparency and fairness.

Defeating Rabiu Kwankwaso, Atiku Abubakar, Rochas Okorocha and Sam Nda-Isaiah, Buhari won the party’s presidential ticket.

In a statement released on Friday, December 12, the former governor of Kwara state described the APC presidential primaries as having “procedural integrity, free expression of the will of the people, fairness and competition.”

“For me this reflects the fact that APC is in tune with what is missing in our democratic culture, tolerance and accommodation. The party has shown by this primaries that we are in tune with the mood of the nation and the yearning for a more inclusive less divisive leadership. The APC delegates have by voting for and choosing General Muhammadu Buhari as its flag-bearer in the 2015 General Elections declared that it wants to change Nigeria. It has by so doing declared that it can no longer be business as usual.”

“Aside the uncommon level of transparency apparent throughout the convention, it is worth pointing out the level of sportsmanship and togetherness exhibited by all the contestant for the party’ premium ticket. It was one of the finest moments of our political party history. It is not happenstance rather it shows that it is easier for people to take a fall if they know that the fight was fair and the rules applied generally. The feeling of fairness and deference to the will of the people and loyalty to the party then follows.”

“Never in the annals of party presidential primaries in Nigeria has there been such infectious atmosphere of no-victor-no-vanquished. This eminently qualified Nigerians put aside personal loss and ambition for the greater vision of a changed Nigeria. This reflects the unflinching and collective resolve of the APC to see Nigeria rescued from the abyss this current administration has plunged her into.”

“You will agree with me that the quality of the ideas that were put forth in the various manifestos by our aspirants, showed truly, the APC is bringing change not for a few but change for all Nigerians to move us together, forward. The oneness in which our aspirants conducted themselves, should tell every Nigerian that despite the naysayers predictions, the APC is united, strong, and ready to reclaim the soul of our nation.”

Speaking further, Saraki also called on the other aspirants who lost out to Buhari, to give him their full support, while imploring Nigerians vote out President Goodluck Jonathan.

“I call on all the aspirants who fought the good fight and the entire party leadership to rally behind our candidate, General Buhari, so that we may give all Nigerians irrespective of their language, religious creed, sex and place of birth the people-oriented leadership that we need to get past these difficult times. I call on all my fellow party members allover the country, to immediately see themselves as ‘Change Agents’, and spread the manifesto and vision of the APC’s #NewNigeria to every nook, cranny, and corner of Nigeria.”

“I call on Nigerians, especially those who have suffered under the failed years of President Jonathan; those who have not benefitted in anyway under the nepotistic programs conducted by this government; those that do not want their children growing up in a failed Nigeria -where rampant insecurity and blatant corruption is the norm – to get in line and fall in place to help elect General Muhammadu Buhari as our next President.”

Kolapo Olapoju