By Ikechukwu Okaforadi
The All Progressives Congress (APC) has said that, contrary to twisting of its earlier statement that the party’s presidential candidate in 2023 will emerge through consensus, it has no plans to impose any candidate on the members of the party in the 2023 general election.
In a statement issued yesterday by the National Secretary of the APC Caretaker Extraordinary Convention Planning Committee (CECPC), John James Akpanudoedehe, the party said “our statement countering the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) false allegation of President Muhammadu Buhari’s 2023 “self-succession” plan is being twisted and given unintended interpretations in some sections of the media.
“Our statement is simple and straightforward. President Buhari has no third term ambition, a position he has personally reiterated.”
It said in adherence with internal democracy, when the time comes to elect the APC 2023 presidential flag bearer and other party candidates, the process will be in full compliance with the provisions of the 1999 Nigerian Constitution (as amended), the APC Constitution and the approved party guidelines for the nomination of candidates.
The party, in the statement issued by the National Secretary, said for clarity, the APC constitution provides that party candidates in all elections emerge through democratically conducted primary elections or where possible, consensus.
To this end, the party said the misleading interpretations given the earlier statement, particularly conspiracies aimed at senior party leaders and their perceived presidential ambitions are unnecessary and misplaced.
The party reiterated that “The APC leadership will not impose any candidates in the leadup to Congresses, National Convention and the 2023 General Elections.”
