President Muhammadu Buhari in Abuja Friday said as the leader of the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC, he would not escape taking responsibility for the loss of Edo State in the just concluded governorship election by his party to the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP.
President Buhari also said that his single desire was to make sure that innocent people didn’t suffer, hence, he sent a message across to the Inspector General of Police, that elections must be free and fair.
He further said that it was the decision of contestants in elections with stupendous money to spray it if they so desired, but warned that nobody should raise a counter force to the government and arm thugs who would be under the influence of drugs to humiliate people.
President Buhari noted that as the leader of the governing party, and despite the fact that the party has lost some states in elections, he wishes to leave behind a political culture based on integrity.
He said, “We have lost states across the country. Now I do not like to escape the responsibility, seeing as the leader of the country, I am also the leader of my party, that I am not leading the party very well.
“I am trying to make sure that the party is built on a civilised basis, rule of law and respect for human rights and human beings, right from polling units to local governments, to states up to Abuja and that’s what I have been insisting as my contribution to the National Working Committee and executive of the party.
“I know we are a developing country, a developing economy and trying to develop our political culture. I want the development of political culture to be based on integrity and accountability. Let people work very hard and earn what they are looking for through their hard work and through fair competition.”
He added jocularly that he was congratulating the Edo governor “reluctantly” because he defeated the candidate of his party, the All Progressives Congress.
Vanguard