The National Chairman of All Progressives Congress [APC], Chief John Oyegun has declared the intention of his party to support President Muhammadu Buhari to continue beyond 2019 in office.
He made the declaration over the weekend in Uyo, the Akwa Ibom State capital during the flagging-off of local government council elections campaign at Uyo Township stadium, ahead of the December 2 LG elections.
Oyegun’s observation may have arisen from the few dissenting voices within the party that there was no automatic ticket for the President, come 2019.
The onetime governor of Edo state, while addressing party faithful from the 31 local government councils of the state, stressed that President Buhari has the magic wand of restoring the country to its lost glory.
“We are not here for a joke, change has come to Akwa Ibom state, APC has no choice than to support Buhari because of his sincerity of purpose of returning Nigeria to its lost glory”.
Overwhelmed by the turnout of APC supporters in the state , the party chairman, expressed optimism that “come 2019 Akwa Ibom state government House will be occupied by APC governor, this local government election is the test case”.
He acknowledged the fact that, things are difficult in the country, but pleaded with Nigerians to give Mr. President a chance as ‘he was working seriously to bring about a new Nigeria in which all will be proud of’.
He opined that those who left the PDP before now to APC from the state had the foresight of better Nigeria and better future for the
country, adding that, they have contributed a lot at helping Mr President bring about new Nigeria.
Oyegun assured all decampees to APC of getting full privileges of the party, stressing that, the party was happy with comportment its members are exhibiting even in an opposition state.
The Chairman, APC Governors Forum and the governor of Imo state, Owelle Rochas Okorocha, in his remarks commended Akwa Ibom state APC for its doggedness, noting that, “this has not happened in an opposition
state before”.
He reminded party supporters in the state not to count themselves out of the wind of change that is blowing across parties lines in the country, noting that, President Buhari has become a new bride as even the opposition parties are supporting him directly or indirectly.
He charged members of the APC to eschew violence during the local government elections and should talk on issues during campaigns and not attacking personalities.
“Come to the national level that is the truth and fact, once you are there, you will get all the goodies from the Federal government.
Buhari is a God sent to Nigeria, despite his initial health challenges, he is now looking stronger and stronger”, he said.
He acknowledged the fact that elections at the local government level was difficult, attributing it to the system used in conducting theelection, advising APC members to ensure their votes counts during and after the voting.
Others speakers, Obong Nisima Ekere, the state party chairman Dr. Amadu Atai, Obong Umana Okon Umana, Atuekeong Don Etiebet, Senator Ita Enang, Senator Nelson Effiong, South-South Vice chairman of the Party
Hilliart Etta, all noted that, change has really come to the state.
They advised the PDP government not to hinder the wind of change in the state but to allow the will of the people to count during the December 2nd local government election.