President Muhammadu Buhari on Friday met with stakeholders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.
Truetells Nigeira had earlier reported that the presidential candidate of the party, Bola Tinubu was absent from the meeting.
President Buhari appreciated the stakeholders for ensuring a free and fair presidential primary of the party.
He commended them for their unity towards the bigger picture ahead of the 2023 presidential election.
President Buhari stated this in a statement released through his Special Adviser, Femi Adesina on Saturday.
The President thanked the delegation led by the National Chairman of the Party, Abdullahi Adamu, “for the kind words on my role in processes leading to the emergence of our candidate, and his running mate, for the Presidential election in February, next year.
“I want to thank you all for the roles you played in the build-up, first to our national convention earlier this year and later to the primary elections.
“You were all of one mind, wanting the best for the Party, with the candidate emerging in a free and fair manner.
“For us all, the cohesion and unity of the Party was the priority, and ambition was second. I’m glad that you all saw the larger picture rather than narrow, self-serving interests.”
Speaking on the emergence of Kashim Shettima as the vice presidential candidate of the party, Buhari insisted that he would reserve his comments till the handover ceremony on May 29, 2023, at Eagle Square.
President Buhari also commended the ruling party for mobilizing Nigerians, particularly youths, to register and get their Permanent Voters Cards (PVCs).
Those who attended the meeting are the National Chairman of the party, Abdullahi Adamu; Senate President, Ahmad Lawan; Deputy Speaker, House of Representatives, Idris Wase, and presidential running mate of the party, Kashim Shettima.
While some state governors elected under the party including Babagana Zulum (Borno); Atiku Bagudu (Kebbi); Abdullahi Sule (Nasarawa); Inuwa Yahaya (Gombe); Mai Mala Buni (Yobe); former Speaker, House of Representatives, Dimeji Bankole, and former Minister of Agriculture, Audu Ogbeh.
Also in the meeting, are the Secretary to Government of the Federation, Boss Mustapha, Chief of Staff to the President, Prof. Ibrahim Gambari; APC national officer, Emma Eneukwu, among others.