President Muhammadu Buhari, on Sunday, summoned a meeting of key stakeholders in the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
The meeting, held at the State House, Abuja, was attended by Vice President Yemi Osinbajo Senate President Ahmad Lawan, first Interim National Chairman of the party, Chief Bisi Akande, his successor, Chief John Odigie-Oyegun, the APC National Chairman, Senator Abdullahi Adamu, National Secretary, Senator Iyiola Omisore, and some governors.
The governors included those of Borno, Babagana Zulum, Plateau, Simon Lalong, Zamfara, Bello Matawalle, David Umahi, Ebonyi,
Daily Trust learnt that the meeting was convened to consider the possibility of coming up with a consensus presidential candidate among the 23 aspirants.
At a meeting he held with aspirants on Saturday, Buhari asked them to work on consensus.
“I wish to remind you that our choice of flag bearer must be formidable, appealing to the electorate across the board and should command such ability to unify the country and capacity to address our critical challenges.”
“Ahead of the Convention, the party machinery has screened and found all aspirants eminently qualified. Recognizing this fact, the Screening Committee has, amongst others, recommended that consensus building through consultation, be intensified.
“Without prejudice to your qualifications, I urge all of you to hold consultations amongst yourselves and with the party, with a view to building a consensus in a manner that would help the party reduce the number of aspirants, bring up a formidable candidate and scale down the anxiety of party members,” he had said.
