2019: South- South APC leaders adopt Buhari

The leaders of the South- South Zonal Caucus of the All Progressives Congress (APC) gathered on Tuesday in Abuja and adopted President Muhammadu Buhari as their candidate for the 2019 presidential election.

The Caucus position was contained in a communique issued at the end of the meeting.

The communique, which was a culmination of over three hours of meeting was signed by the Governor of Edo State, Godwin Obaseki, former Governor of Edo State, Adams Oshiomhole, Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi and Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, Usani U. Usani

Others were Minister of State for Petroleum, – Dr. Ibe Kachikwu; Minister of State for Health; Dr. Osagie Ehanire,  Senior Special Assistant to the President on National Assembly (Senate), Senator Ita Enang ,  Senator Francis Alimikhena, Deputy Majority Whip; Senator Magnus Abe, Chief Don Etiebet and Comrade Frank Kokori .

The Caucus said it was “committed to work assiduously to ensure the success of the presidential campaign” and therefore inaugurated a South-South Presidential Campaign Committee.”

The communique reads: “The leadership of the APC from the South-South of Nigeria, met in Abuja to review the state of the nation, with particular reference to the state of the party, current political positionings, alignment of socio-political forces and the forthcoming 2019 elections.

“The Caucus expressed full satisfaction with the steady growth of the APC in the South- South and urged its members to continue working hard to ensure a full democratic takeover of the South-South Region.

“Caucus acknowledged the changes in the Nigerian political economy and commended the excellent performance of the President Muhammadu Buhari administration and enjoined Nigerians to continue to support the administration in every way possible.

“Caucus noted with regret, the current tendency of some political leaders to write letters rather than follow existing open lines of communication and dialogue. lt noted that such methods of political engagement can only breed disaffection and mediate the ongoing effort at repositioning our economy for growth and development. It therefore called on political leaders to join hands with President Muhammadu Buhari to contain all forms of violence, strengthen the foundation of our polity, expand and grow the economy, and continue to promote sustainable growth, peace and people-centered development.

“On the herdsmen issue, Caucus strongly condemns in strong terms the killings of Nigerians and sincerely and deeply sympathises with the states, communities and families that have been affected, expressed full confidence in the Presidential Committee headed by the Vice President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo and enjoined leaders and governments at all levels to work with the Committee to find lasting and sustainable solutions to the problem.

“Given the above scenario, recognising the very successful war against corruption, the effective degradation of Boko Haram, the very laudable agricultural and economic policies that have seen us out of recession, the continuing high regard for his person and leadership around the world that have promoted a bright new image for Nigeria, the credibility he continues to enjoy among the vast majority of Nigerians and among APC members, and the need for continuity in policy and programs, the Caucus of the APC South-South Zone, unanimously adopted and endorsed President Muhammadu Buhari to run for a second term as President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.”