…Rules out candidates’ imposition
BY COBHAM NSA, ABUJA – Imo State Governor and Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC)’s Governors Forum, Owelle Rochas Okorocha says President Muhammadu Buhari should forget about automatic ticket if he is interested in seeking a second term in office.
According to Okorocha, there will be no favoured or anointed candidate as the Party will provide a level playing field all candidates aiming to fly its presidential flag come 2019 general elections..
Speaking specifically about APC’s choice of a candidate for the 2019 presidential polls, Governor Okorocha said in the event that President Buhari declares interest to run for a second term, the Party would give him the same treatment as other contestants to pass through all existing procedures as provided by the Constitution for anyone seeking to wear the Party’s colours at the polls.
Governor Okorocha, who spoke with State House correspondents shortly after meeting with the President on Wednesday, said; “We won’t allow imposition of candidates. It must be democratically done.”
He stated that; “If President Buhari will lead the ship in 2019, it must be democratically done, and I say democratically, transparently.”
The APC Governors’ Forum Chairman further said the decision to make the process open and transparent is meant to ensure that Nigerians keep fate with the APC and also prove to the international community that no form of impunity with the APC would be allowed to thrive within the Party’s structure.
Reacting to speculations on the President’s second term bid, Owelle Okorocha maintained that President Buhari is looking stronger, handsome and fit for the election if he so desires.
Hear him; “The gentleman is even looking much more handsome than even before he went to the hospital. He’s looking stronger and so, he has every right and qualification to continue his good job.
“There is nothing wrong at all, President Buhari qualifies constitutionally to run and the good thing is that he’s in good health, stronger than he has ever been. I think that the hospital he went was a mere exercise to strengthen his nerves and bones.”
Asked about his discussion with Mr President, Governor Okorocha said: “I’ve come to see Mr President and to discuss politics as it affects the South-East and APC, and the way forward and the politics of APC as it also concerns the governors and it was a very fruitful meeting.”
Coming just two days after the APC’s National Executive Council (NEC) meeting passed a vote of confidence on the President in Abuja, insiders said Governor Okorocha’s visit to Aso Rock Villa may not be unconnected with the APC governors’ decision to present their position on how to move the Party forward with 2019 effectively in sight
