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I Announced My Re-election Bid Early to Cool Tempers – Buhari

Published

8 years ago

July 20, 2018

Eric

President Muhammadu Buhari on Friday said he decided to announce his desire to seek re-election early enough in April in order to cool tempers.

Buhari said this while receiving members of the Buhari Support Group Centre at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

He thanked members of the group for consistently standing by him over the years “without getting anything.”

He said, “I had to announce before the National Executive Committee about my intention to ask for the party’s nomination for next year’s election, so that we can save a lot of time and cool tempers.

“A lot of people are trying to make it a habit of being a nuisance to themselves and to Nigerians.

“So, when I announced my intention, ‘I said okay, let those who are serious come out;’ and I try to make sure that the party is re-organised and consolidated.

“This is so that we start from bottom to top, so that Nigerians will be involved and that each constituency will pick those they want to represent them at various levels, whether local government chairmen, counselors, state houses of assemblies, House of Representatives, Senate and finally, the Presidency.

“With this participation, some of the people who are educated and sophisticated, they say for those who have got the money, bring the money but we will still do what we want to do.”

Buhari said having contested presidential election for a record of four times before winning, he was familiar with happenings in different constituencies.

He reiterated that his failure in the previous three attempts was a result of people sitting down somewhere and writing election results and asking those aggrieved to go to court.

He wondered how a politician who is still looking for the next meal will he get money to pay lawyers.

Lauding the introduction of technology which he said assisted in his victory at the last election, call on the group to encourage Nigerians to collect their Permanent Voters Cards.

The President added, “Thank God that technology has come in. With PVCs, with Card Reader, wherever you register it will show whether you voted or not. That is why voters education is very important.

“Tell people that the PVC is their nationality and they are entitled to it. They can use across party, religion, ethnicity.

“So, let them take pride in their PVC, let them keep it and use it. This is an additional assignment for your group.

“I have been talking to the governors, urging them to carry out voters education. It may not favour them, but people will eventually understand whether they tell the truth or not, people will do what they feel right.”

Earlier, the Chairman of the BSGC, Umaru Dembo, said members of the group view Buhari as a leader who has sacrificed his entire life for the well being of the common man in Nigeria.

Dembo said they were in the Presidential Villa to assure the President that they have been working hard to explain the new life that his government has ushered in for the good of Nigerians.

“All of us and various groups attached to us will convey in various forms the successes of your government in the last three years.

“Boko Haram has been disbanded, Single Treasury Account implemented, farming to feed the nation in progress, petrol available, second Niger bridge in progress, roads, railways, Ajaokuta reclaimed, Mambilla hydroelectric power and dam being built, dredging the Niger, new prisons and so many other developmental programmes and activities changing the face of Nigeria,” he said.

He assured Buhari of their commitment to his re-election in 2019.

The Punch

Headline

2027: Peter Obi Raises Doubt About Clinching ADC Presidential Ticket

Published

5 hours ago

March 19, 2026

Eric

A former Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has expressed reservations over his ability to clinch the African Democratic Congress’ (ADC) presidential ticket for the 2027 elections.

In a video address to his followers, Obi stated that receiving the ADC’s presidential ticket is not guaranteed.

He said: “Someone asked me how I know for sure that the ADC will give me the presidential ticket. I cannot be certain. What matters is that we are committed to a cause.

I keep wondering how we ended up in this situation and what might happen if we decide to stop working on this project.”

“Obi also said he is still committed to his goals, and he hasn’t let any reported threats stop him.

The former Labour Party presidential candidate praised his supporters for their resilience, recognizing the difficulties of working within opposition politics in Nigeria.

Obi thanked everyone who stayed loyal even though they didn’t get much benefit right away.

“I thank you for your sacrifice. It’s not easy to be in the opposition in Nigeria, and I’m thankful to those who keep supporting even when there’s no clear reward,” he said.

He, however, expressed uncertainty about the future, especially concerning political alliances and commitments.

“How can we be certain that the people we’re working with right now won’t leave us behind tomorrow? I wish we could be sure, but we can’t,” he said.

Headline

Terrorism: Tinubu Seeks UK’s Assistance Amid Challenges

Published

12 hours ago

March 19, 2026

Eric

President Bola Tinubu, on Wednesday, solicited partnership with the United Kingdom to crush terrorism in the Sahel before it engulfs the region.

“Our West African region faces complex terrorism challenges with roots in the Sahel,” Tinubu told King Charles III, Queen Camilla, Prince William, and elite guests, at a state banquet.

Speaking as the first Nigerian leader at the historic venue, Tinubu said: “As one of the largest nations within the Commonwealth, Nigeria looks forward to contributing constructively to the continued growth and vitality of this global community.

“Our West African region faces complex terrorism challenges with roots in the Sahel. Nigeria carries an enormous responsibility to help safeguard regional stability. In confronting these threats, partnership with the United Kingdom remains essential and I look forward to my meeting with Prime Minister Kier Starmer tomorrow.

“Despite these challenges, Nigeria approaches the future with hope and confidence. We are a nation of diverse and vibrant people, of young people dreaming big, of entrepreneurs with a global outlook, and of a hopeful people determined to realise their full potential.”

The Nigeria’s President said it was an honour to stand before the royal family, representing the people of Nigeria to reaffirm the enduring bonds of friendship, history, and shared purpose that have united Nigeria and the United Kingdom for several centuries.

“Allow me first to express my sincere appreciation to Your Majesty and to Her Majesty, The Queen for the warmth and generosity extended to me, my wife, Oluremi, and the Nigerian delegation.

“As the first Nigerian leader to speak here at Windsor Castle, which has served the British Crown for nearly a millennium, is particularly historic. Windsor has stood as a symbol of continuity, witnessing the steady evolution of institutions that have shaped governance, culture, and public life not only in Britain but far beyond these shores.

“Nigeria and the United Kingdom have shared more than just history; our two nations share a vision of progress and resilience. Today, we continue that journey, committed to building a future rooted in partnership, mutual respect, and common values.

“Standing here in Windsor Castle, one cannot help but reflect on Britain’s impact on modern democratic governance worldwide.”

He explained further: “The Magna Carta of 1215 laid the early foundations for the rule of law and the development of parliamentary democracy, establishing enduring ideals around liberty, accountable government, and civic responsibility.

“Great British thinkers and writers such as Thomas Hobbes, John Locke, and Edmund Burke helped to propagate those democratic ideals. Their influence continues to resonate to this day.

“The literary genius of William Shakespeare and other writers such as Charles Dickens, has enriched and shaped the English language, spoken by over 1.5 billion people worldwide.

“In Nigeria, elements of these traditions continue to inform the institutional foundations of our own republic. Our courts draw upon legal traditions rooted in English common law. Our parliamentary institutions reflect constitutional practices that evolved here over centuries. Our civil service structures have also drawn upon administrative models developed in Britain and adapted to Nigeria’s own national context.

“While institutions matter greatly, our people remain the strongest bridge between our two countries.”

He said the Nigerian community in the United Kingdom has become one of the most dynamic diaspora communities worldwide, adding: “Nigerians contribute enormously to the vitality of this nation. Within the National Health Service, Nigerian doctors and nurses play an indispensable role in delivering healthcare. Nigerian-trained doctors are among the largest groups of international medical professionals serving the NHS.”

He noted the exploits of Nigerians in the country especially in sports, saying: “in sport, rugby players such as Maro Itoje, footballers including Bukayo Saka and Eberechi Eze, and champion boxer Anthony Joshua, illustrate the remarkable human connection that links Nigeria and the United Kingdom.

“Our partnership is further strengthened through the Commonwealth of Nations, which connects 56 countries under Your Majesty’s leadership.”

He expressed confidence that the friendship between Nigeria and the United Kingdom will continue to grow.

“Finally, Your Majesty, I wish to express Nigeria’s deep gratitude to this great nation for the refuge and support it extended during the dark years of military dictatorship. Like many Nigerians involved in the pro-democracy struggle, I found safety here, and I recall that my residence was placed under Metropolitan Police surveillance for protection following threats from agents of the junta.

“That solidarity remains etched in our collective memory, and it is deeply humbling for me to stand before Your Majesty today as the President of a democratic Nigeria.

“On behalf of the Government and people of Nigeria, I thank Your Majesty, Her Majesty The Queen, Prince William and Catherine, the Princess of Wales, other members of the Royal Family, and the people of the United Kingdom for their longstanding friendship.

“In the spirit of friendship and our shared destiny, I invite you all to raise a glass with me:

“To the special bond between Nigeria and the United Kingdom, and to the bright future that we shall build together.”

Headline

Bala Mohammed Debunks Defection Rumours, Affirms Loyalty to PDP

Published

13 hours ago

March 19, 2026

Eric

Bauchi State governor, Bala Mohammed, has dismissed speculation linking him with a possible defection to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), reiterating his commitment to the Peoples’ Democratic Party (PDP).

The governor, who also serves as Chairman of the PDP Governors’ Forum, had recently been the subject of reports suggesting he might be considering leaving the opposition party, with claims that such a move could occur within the week.

However, while dismissing the rumour shortly after presiding over the swearing-in of 17 newly appointed Permanent Secretaries at the Government House in Bauchi on Wednesday, Mohammed downplayed the claims, stressing that he had made no official statement indicating any intention to quit the PDP.

He maintained that the reports are unfounded, reaffirming his continued membership of the party.

“I find it amusing that even when I have not said anything officially, people are already discussing me as if I have moved,” he said.