2023 Polls: Buhari Taunts Atiku, Obi, Others As Victims Of Overconfidence
- Says ruling APC worked hard for victory
President Muhammadu Buhari says overconfidence by former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and Labour Party (LP)’s flag bearer, Peter Obi, handed victory on a silver platter to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in the February 25 presidential election.
The President stated this while hosting the Progressive Governors Forum (PGF), led by their Chairman, Governor Abubakar Atiku Bagudu of Kebbi State, at his residence in the State House, Abuja, on Thursday.
In the PGF delegation were Governors of Plateau, Imo, Kwara, Ekiti, Kaduna, Kogi, Lagos, Cross River, Jigawa, Katsina, Ogun, and Nasarawa States. Others included the Deputy Governors of Kano, Gombe, Borno, and Ebonyi as well as the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Boss Mustapha.
Though not specifically mentioning Atiku or Obi’s names in his remarks, President Buhari said while the key opposition figures were basking in overconfidence and self-delusion, the APC was working hard and seriously to retain power at the centre.
According to him; “They were already telling their foreign backers that they would defeat the APC. Our Party blended confidence with caution, we worked hard and won. Now, their overconfidence is creating more problems for the opposition than anyone else.
“They are finding it hard to convince those who supported them from outside why they are unable to beat us. A combination of overconfidence, complacency, and bad tactical moves made them lose, plain and clear. This has created more problems in their camp. Why did they fail to remove us?”
The President, while reacting to comments by Governor Bagudu, said; “An important reason I congratulate Asiwaju on winning is that the opposition got support and false hope from outside and went on to create the impression that they will win, that they will defeat us. How more wrong could anyone be?”
A statement by the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity, Malam Garba Shehu, on the visit said President Buhari also used the occasion to charge the APC governors on the importance of forging greater unity together and openly addressing issues among themselves.
He said; “Try and keep solving problems. Be courageous to discuss them openly between yourselves. This is the best way to survive politically in Nigeria,” said the President, urging that “you (Governors) have a programme to meet regularly and to discuss issues and how to maintain the Party nationwide.”
On his retirement, President Buhari said his intention is to be at home in Daura for six months before moving eventually to Kaduna to stay permanently, even as he commended Governor Nasir El-Rufai of Kaduna State for providing infrastructure that would make his retirement life and that of the Kaduna people much better.
The President also extended the same courtesies to Governor Abdullahi Ganduje of Kano for equally giving the North West state a facelift during his eight years tenure.
In his remarks earlier, Governor Bagudu said the Forum was on a “Happy Sallah” visit to the President and to appreciate him for the leadership given to the ruling Party and the nation, noting that being their first visit since the elections, they are also congratulating the President on APC’s victory in the Presidential election
The PFG Chairman said; “Congratulations, your Party won the Presidency, a majority in the Senate, and is the leading Party in the House of Representatives. These successes would not have happened without your support. History will remember you kindly.
“Around the world, the election is being celebrated, despite the turbulence in the region and in the developing world, all courtesy of your leadership. We won by sheer hard work, the same thing you have always encouraged us to do. We thank you immensely for everything”.
