Buhari in support of consensus candidates for APC convention, says Bagudu

Atiku Bagudu, chairman of the progressive governors forum (PGF), says President Muhammadu Buhari is in favour of the consensus mode for selecting candidates for the party’s national positions.

Bagudu spoke on Tuesday at a media briefing after a meeting of the APC governors with the president in Abuja.

Citing examples of the party’s leaders that emerged through consensus, Bagudu said the president urged the governors to explore the option of consensus.

“On consensus, Mr. President reminded us that we have produced a number of national chairmen by consensus — Baba Akande emerged as the pioneer chairman of the party by consensus; his excellency, John Oyegun, emerged by consensus; his excellency, Adams Oshiomhole, emerged by consensus,” Bagudu said.

“So, he is a believer in consensus as one of the options of producing leadership, and he urged us to explore consensus so that we can generate a list.

“While recognising that many people who have indicated interest are equally competent, but knowing that just one person will occupy the office, consensus is part of our constitution and he urged us to work towards consensus.

“And the governors have also been working to ensure that as part of the equitable arrangement, zoning and consensus are incorporated. We have done that at the lower levels, and even at the national level. It’s almost certain that we will achieve it.”

TheCable had earlier reported that the APC governors said they are on the same page on issues bordering on the national convention and zoning arrangement.

The governors said they are in support of the new date for the party’s national convention, and also agreed on a zoning formula in which northern zones will take positions earlier occupied by southern zones in the last eight years and vice versa.

The Kebbi governor also said the governors are confident that with guidance, the forthcoming zonal congresses will produce leaders “that our party and Nigerians will be proud of”.

“Mr. President was pleased to receive us and support what the governors are doing and also expressed his pleasure at the performance of the party and the unity of the governors in supporting the party,” he said.

“He said we must continue to do all that is possible to ensure that APC continues to deliver progress and compete equitably and win elections in the future.”