APC presidential aspirants at the party’s national convention in Lagos
credit: Premium Times
Former Head of State and Presidential aspirant on the platform of All Progressives Congress, APC, General Mohammadu Buhari yesterday called for the support of delegates of the party ahead of the party’s presidential primaries in Lagos, but noted that he had no money to give to canvass their support.
“I have always served Nigeria to the best of my ability. I have always tried to give more to the nation than it has given me. This is the principle of service that has guided my public life. Thus, I am not a rich person. I can’t give you a pocketful of dollars or naira to purchase your support. Even if I could, I would not do so. The fate of this nation is not up for sale,” said Buhari in a statement apparently referring to co-aspirant Atiku Abubakar who had been giving out monetary donations in the course of his campaign.
“What I will give you, and this nation is all of my strength, commitment, sweat and toil in the service of the people. What I can give you is my all,” the former head of state said.
“As you gather for our convention, please remember that history, change and the hopes of Nigeria are there with you. They are there to ask you to perform according to your best judgment and patriotic conscience. I also ask you to do the same.
We seek a new Nigeria. It starts with us. It starts today. I have placed myself before you seeking your help to nominate me as your standard bearer for our progressive party, APC.
“Personal ambition does not drive me in this regard. I seek to be the next president of our beloved nation because I believe I have something to offer Nigeria at this time of multiple crises. Insecurity, corruption, and economic collapse have brought the nation low. Time is past due that we work together to lift Nigeria up. I am ready to lead Nigeria to its rightful future.
He stressed the need for the ruling party to be voted out of power, saying “you cannot trust the corrupt to end corruption.” He said he sought a Nigeria devoid of corruption.
“I do not intend to rule Nigeria. I want to democratically govern it with your help. I seek a Nigeria where Christians and Muslims may practise their faiths in peace and security; a Nigeria that is just and where corruption no longer trespasses into our institutions and national behavior and a Nigeria where our diversity could be used for our national prosperity.
Nigeria is our home. Let us now turn it into the great nation we know it can and should be.
“I thank you all,” he concluded.
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