President Muhammadu Buhari has been urged to throw his hat in the ring because he has invested in roads, bridges, other infrastructure and security.
South-South leaders, during a meeting on Sunday, expressed satisfaction with the performance of President Buhari.
In report circulated by a media practitioner, Henry Ovie, to journalists, it was stated that, “At a meeting to appraise political actors in Nigeria, the leaders praised commended President Buhari for promoting sustainable growth and employability, strengthening the capacity and innovation of micro, small and medium enterprises and enhancing food security and sustainable agriculture.”
Speaking to the media after the meeting in Uyo, Chairman of South-South Front (SSF), John Harry, said the leaders described names floated so far in the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Social Democratic Party (SDP) and others as men with no electoral values.
The leaders were also appreciative of Oyegun’s role in the development of Nigeria’s democracy.
“Chief John Odigie-Oyegun is a genius in the area of leadership” they said.
The leaders who ruled out plans to support the opposition parties in 2019 praised Oyegun for enhancing political discourse, maintaining a good working relationship with President Buhari, strengthening the democracy within the party, eliminating practices that suffocate the development of democracy in Nigeria and winning new electorate in order for APC to remain an important political force in the country.
“Oyegun’s grip on internal party matters is unique” the leaders said.
They regarded the moves of those against tenure elongation as a threat.
“The performance of the Oyegun –led NWC shows great hope for expanded democracy, reforms and coherent programmes. The tenure elongation is important for the party right now given the 2019 electoral challenges. Odigie-Oyegun has the right experience in the nitty-gritty mechanics of managing a political party during and after elections.”
Oyegun, a quiet leader with a unique affinity for building strong relationships, according to the leaders was instrumental in negotiating a peace agreement between the Presidency and the National Assembly.
“The friction between the executive and legislature has forced the party to rethink its role and to lay ground for healthy executive-legislature relationship,” the leaders said.
They commended the ruling party for fulfilling key functions such as political recruitment, interest articulation and participation.
“The purpose of APC at the time of formation was not only to serve as electoral vehicle for major political figures or push PDP out but to guarantee good governance, grow the economy and sanitize the system”
“APC is not a one person show. It represents citizens’ interests. The party is remarkable for internal unity, consensual decision making and strong clientelistic elements especially at the local level. PDP still suffers from factional divisions, problematic shallowness and lack of meaningful engagement with ordinary citizens. The party has lost its direction,” the leaders added.
