APC describes suit seeking third third for Buhari as illegal, distraction
Nigeria’s ruling party, the All Progressives Congress (APC) has described as illegal and a distraction, a court action initiated by Mr. Charles Anya, a purported member of the party, seeking an amendment of the 1999 constitution, to allow President Muhammadu Buhari run for a third term in office.
Mallam Lanre Issa-Onilu, the party spokesman said in a statement on Thursday that the party had initially chosen to ignore Mr. Anya and others who may want to tread a similar path but felt it was important to send a clear message to them.
” The Party had initially chosen to ignore him. However, it has become important to send a clear message to him and such other agents provocateurs.
“At the last National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting of the Party, President Buhari didn’t mince words and he is not the type that talks tongue-in-cheek. He pointedly said he would abide by the constitution and uphold the oath of office he took, swearing by the holy book he believes in. This he said was beside his advanced age which made such an idea beyond his contemplation,” the statement said.
The statement highlights of the party’s National Executive Council (NEC) meeting released to the media also quoted President Buhari of admonishing APC members, leaders, and elected officials to reposition themselves in their respective constituencies so as to sustain the administration’s landmark legacies beyond 2023 when the President’s constitutionally permitted terms ends.
“The president said history would not be fair to members if the APC collapses after his second term. What better proof is required of the President’s resolve to abide by the constitution on term limit?” the party said.
The party said it was by the statement sending a strong signal to other busybodies like Mr.Enya who may be contemplating testing the resolve of the Buhari its mission to work for the best for the country to be ready to face the law.
“We would follow this new enemy of our country, who is most likely being sponsored by the desperate and misguided opposition, every step of the way, using all legal means to thwart his devilish efforts to create chaos in our country,” the statement said.
The statement said the party would not take kindly to anyone or group causing unnecessary distraction for the Buhari administration through anti-democratic actions. It said with Nigeria being several years behind where it ought to be, the President Buhari-led administration is focused on the onerous responsibility of delivering good governance including revamping moribund infrastructure, growing the economy, fighting corruption, creating the right environment for our teeming youths to deploy their creative energies, and providing adequate security for all of our people.
“We have tried to find out the status of this character claiming to be a member of our party. If he turns out to be our member, we would ensure the party organ that has the responsibility to act on this matter promptly commence the process of expelling him. We are a progressive party and we do not have space for anti-democratic forces and charlatans,” the statement said.
