By Ikechukwu Okaforadi
The Governor of Borno State, Babagana Zulum has said that despite the contending interests in the forthcoming presidential primaries of the ruling All Progressive Congress (APC), the party will work hard to establish a consensus candidate that would consolidate the party’s unity and national progress ahead of the 2023 general election.
Zulum disclosed this while welcoming members of the Progressive Consolidation Group (PCG) to his office on Friday, where he emphasized that Borno state will work with the party’s hierarchy, members of the National Assembly and leaders at ward and state levels to ensure actualization of decisions to be made by President Muhammadu Buhari who is the party’s de facto leader.
Zulum said “I am solidly behind initiatives aimed towards enhancing the unity of our party and progress of Nigeria; at this crucial time, no one and nothing will prevent the party from moving in unison.
“We have to identify the right individuals to lead the nation and the task requires governors, party hierarchy and the President working together in concert.
“Individual aspirations may have to be downplayed because we all have to concur with the decision of the leader of our party.
“Borno state under me will promote unity and all efforts to ensure the success of APC; we shall work with the party hierarchy, our leaders at the National Assembly and our party leaders at ward and state levels , to arrive at best solutions for taking the country forward”.
Pointing out his humble background, he elucidated his life as a village boy, adding that his major priority is seeing how the people of Borno state will do well within a flourishing economic climate that is achievable in Nigeria.
Earlier, Chairman of the PCG, Dr. Aliyu Rabiu Kurfi said there is need for Governor Zulum, other state governors and party leaders at ward, state and federal levels to forge a consensus towards making Professor Yemi Osinbajo Nigeria’s next President in 2023.
“The Vice President, Prof Yemi Osinbajo deserves the right of first refusal and even, in a crowded race with great individuals, he stands out as an insider with the right level of competence and intellect to do the job better than all others,” said the PCG chieftain.
He further stressed the need for all party leaders to reach a solid consensus on ensuring that Osinbajo become Nigeria’s next President in 2023, adding that good self-discipline, moral qualities and competence demonstrated during President Buhari’s absence make Osinbajo the best candidate for APC’s presidential ticket.
Members of the pro-Osinbajo PCG met Governor Zulum, the Secretary to Borno state Government, Alhaji Usman Jidda Shuwa and members of the state cabinet at the Borno State Government House Council Chambers on Friday afternoon with a strong message on the need for a united front towards making Professor Yemi Osinbajo President in 2023.
Meanwhile, personalities on the PCG entourage to Borno include its Deputy chairman (North), Musa Liman Kwande, its Deputy Chairman (South), Dr. Ebenezer Faji and former Managing Director of African Petroleum Plc, Shettima Abba-Gana, who was a former Commissioner in Borno State.
Others include the PCG Women’s Leader, Hajia Rabi Dauda, Barrister Emmanuel Pippa (Publicity Secretary) and Mr. Jeff O. Ozomegwa, the Deputy Secretary-General.
