As the All Progressives Congress gets set for a 3-day convention, where it will choose its presidential candidate for the 2015 general election, loyalists of the two major contenders are perfecting strategies to ensure that their respective principals win.
While, former Head of State, Major-General Muhammadu Buhari seems to be the most preferred presidential aspirant of the APC , supporters of former Vice-President, Atiku Abubakar say they are ready for a showdown at the convention slated for between October 16 and 18 in Abuja.
A party chieftain, who doesn’t want to be named said, “on our card is Muhammadu Buhari,” enthusing that, “with a level playing field the party has promised all the contenders, he will emerge victorious and fly the party’s flag for 2015 presidential election.”
Though no one has officially signified interest to be presidential flag bearer of the APC, it is believed that Atiku Abubakar will declare his interest September 24, while Buhari may do so at a latter date.
Former governor of Kwara State, Bukola Saraki and present Kano State governor, Rabiu Kwankwso are also believed to interested in the race for Aso Rock.
However, another party chieftain who spoke to Naijalog said age and money may stop Buhari from realising his dream of becoming a civillian head of state this time around.
“At above 70 now, if he is to spend two terms in office, he would be about 80 years,” the source noted.
“Money may also be an issue, as the other candidates who are likely to contest against him have more financial resources at their disposal.”
The source also noted that some powerful blocs within the party are clamouring for a youthful president.
The said, “in that wise, the party may decide to persuade him to withdraw for younger aspirants, who have age on their side to face the rigours of governance at that level.”
Meanwhile, a third source has expressed concern that those angling for automatic ticket for Buhari are being cowed by his die-hard loyalists who are insisting that “it is either Buhari or nothing!”
But the source revealed that the other aspirants are smarting for a showdown with those who believed that Buhari candidacy is a settled matter.
“The idea of “automatic adoption” of Buhari or any other aspirant for that matter is undemocratic and could destroy the foundation and the credibility of the APC, ” he opined.
However, the National Publicity Secretary of the party, Lai Mohammed, said no candidate would be imposed as presidential candidate of the party. “There is no provision for automatic ticket in our party. I can tell you that we shall conduct a transparent convention, where our candidate would emerge,” he said.