Buhari: congratulatory messages pour in

Edo state governor, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole has congratulated Maj.-Gen Muhammadu Buhari, following his emergence as the Presidential flag-bearer of the All Progressives Congress (APC) for the 2015 General election.

Comrade Oshiomhole also gave kudos to the other Presidential aspirants of the party for a gallant fight and urged them to join hands with the party’s candidate to scale the next hurdle.

The governor in a statement issued by his press secretary, Peter Okhiria, said “First, let me congratulate the flag-bearer of our party, a highly disciplined, tested and trusted leader, Maj.-General Muhammadu Buhari, for emerging through this refined, transparent and credible process of delegate election.

“Also, I wish to congratulate the delegates for their tolerance, patience, maturity and commitment towards ensuring a successful convention which has produced such a strong candidate for our party.

Oshiomhole said the victory of Buhari at the Presidential primary election show that “we all are committed to being agents of change in this democratic process. With the emergence of Buhari, Nigeria will no doubt get a true and selfless leadership needed to drive the much-desired Change at the centre and the race to effect that real Change has just begun.

” A change that represents a new dawn in the democratic governance of our great country; a change that will restore hope to the downtrodden and forgotten masses of our great country and also place Nigeria in its rightful place in the comity of nations.”

He went further to add, “With the wide margin of votes recorded by Buhari, it goes to show that he is widely accepted by majority of Nigerians across geo-political divides in the country.

“By the APC Convention, we have shown and demonstrated to Nigerians that we can do things aright, provided we deploy courage, determination and commitment in doing it. Our successful convention has further shown that Nigerians are now more inclined to the doctrine of “One man, One Vote” and we hope that the other party and especially the electoral umpire, INEC, will borrow a leaf from us and let one man, one vote prevail in the 2015 general election. This is the irreducible minimum that is expected of INEC.

“While I again congratulate our party for this great convention and its outcome, I want to commend the spirit of sportsmanship exhibited by the other Presidential aspirants of our party and implore them to join hands with our flag-bearer, to ensure the victory of our great party, the All Progressives Congress, at the polls in 2015.

“While thanking the organizers for the success of the Convention, I implore General Buhari to be a father to all, including the other Presidential aspirants in the build-up to the General elections in 2015,” Oshiomhole concluded.

Dr. Dakuku Peterside, governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress APC, in Rivers State has also congratulated General Muhammadu Buhari.

Peterside who was among the 7214 delegates that voted at the party’s national convention which held at Teslim Balogun Stadium in Lagos also called on Nigerians to unite and support the general whose enviable record is well known throughout the country.

He said that as Buhari begins campaign, he should remember that our country desperately needs hope and healing. And the challenge, lies squarely on his shoulders as all eyes are on him to bring about the new Nigeria of promise that we all desire.

In the same vein, Peterside extolled the virtues of Buhari who is widely acknowledged in Nigeria and beyond for his unblemished record in government.

“By any measure, you have remained the conscience of Nigeria in the last couple of decades by your actions. Today, you are celebrated and respected across our country as an exemplary leader and outstanding statesman. The verdict here today shows that Nigerians still remember and appreciate your contribution during your time in government.

“No doubt, you will bring your anti-corruption asset and good name to 2015 Presidential election which promises to be interesting with this historic and divine mandate. Again, let me, even at the risk of sounding repetitive, say that your victory today has raised the ante and our country will be better for it. I am confident that you will rescue Nigeria from this unnecessary slide.