PRESIDENT Muhammadu Buhari said that the defectors from All Progressive Congress (APC) to other political parties were the weakest members who could not align with the vision of his administration.
Buhari said this on Tuesday at the Presidential Villa after accepting the presidential nomination form and expression of interest form to contest in the 2019 presidential election. A group known as Nigeria Consolidation Ambassador Network (NCAN) purchased the form for President Buhari.
The All Progressive Party suffered mass defection of party members to other parties between July and August. Three governors and several lawmakers had defected from APC.
Samuel Ortom of Benue, Aminu Tambuwal of Sokoto and Abdulfatah Ahmed of Kwara are the three governors who defected from APC to the opposition party, Peoples Democratic Party.
Senate President Bukola Saraki is a prominent lawmaker who defected from APC to PDP in August.
“The weakest whose sense of expectation do not align with our vision have exited our party,” President Buhari commented on the issue.
He said: “we now have a party of strong and patriotic people who are ready to work for a strong Nigeria, secure, self-sufficient and corruption-free Nigeria.”
The President praised the group that comprises young people around the country for their belief in him and contributing N50 million to support his second term presidential ambition.
“I am honoured today to receive youth from all over the country contributing to buy the form for me,” Buhari said.
The APC Presidential Expression of Interest and Nomination Forms cost N45 million.
According to the coordinator of the group, Sanusi Musa, the sum was raised through contributions among members from several villages and local government areas.
He described the gesture as a demonstration of their belief in Buhari’s leadership and the foundation he is laying for a better Nigeria.
Buhari outlined his achievements during his tenure to include: the introduction of the Treasury Single Account (TSA), which he said has reduced stealing in public service, provisions of job, giving of cash to the poor and vulnerable Nigerians, rehabilitation of fertiliser plants, as well as completion of rail projects and construction of new ones.
Subsequently, in his tweet, Buhari said many Nigerian youths might not afford the nomination fees set by the party even so Nigeria is blessed with talented and visionary youth. “The contributions of willing individuals and groups will go a long way in supporting the next generation of leaders.”
The president later requested the remaining funds raised to buy his nomination form be used to support the future leaders.