The All Progressives Congress (APC), South-South region on Wednesday in Abuja unanimously adopted President Muhammadu Buhari as the sole choice of the zone for the 2019 Presidential election. The party stakeholders drawn from Akwa Ibom, Bayelsa, Cross River, Delta, Edo and Rivers states took the decision in a crucial meeting.
The group also inaugurated a South- South Presidential Campaign Committee with Governor Godwin Obaseki of Edo State as chairman, while other elected senators, members of the House of Representatives, states Houses of Assembly, among others, will serve as members.
According to a source who attended the meeting, the communiqué at the end of the meeting was read by the National Vice Chairman of the APC South-South zone, Ntufam Etta. The communiqué reads in part;
“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 programmes, the Caucus of the APC South-South Zone, unanimously adopted and endorsed President Buhari to run for a second term as President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.”
The source further disclosed that the leaders condemned in very strong terms, the letters written by former presidents, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo and General Ibrahim Babangida (rtd), to President Buhari. They maintained that as former heads of state, they should have used the existing open lines of communication and dialogue to express their grievances or advise.
The South-South leaders also condemned the killings of Nigerians by Fulani herdsmen. Those present at the meeting include Godwin Obaseki, Oshiomhole, Mr Chibuike Amaechi, Minister of Transportation; Pastor Usani U. Usani, Minister of Niger Delta Affairs; Dr. Ibe Kachikwu, Minister of State, Petroleum; Dr. Osagie Ehanire, Minister of State, Health; Senator Ita Enang, Senior Special Assistant to the President on National Assembly (Senate); Senator Francis Alimikhena, Deputy Majority Whip; Senator Magnus Abe; Chief Don Etiebet and Mr Frank Kokori among others.
