Fayemi’s speech was followed by the unveiling of the APC manifesto by the National Chairman, APC, Chief John Oyegun, who described the event as historic in view of the fact that a presidential candidate that would liberate the nation from the mismanagement of the PDP would be selected. He said APC was ready to provide leadership for a new Nigeria as change was imminent. Oyegun stated that the imperative of this exercise was to rescue Nigeria and that this demanded that all hands should be on deck, appealing to delegates to proceed for the exercise and do so with all sense of responsibility by Voting according to their conscience. The manifesto unveiled by Oyegun has six cardinal points, which are national security, good governance, human capital development, economic development, land and natural resources and foreign policy.

APC National leader, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu said one person would certainly be chosen, noting that the APC was set to liberate the nation from its current quagmire. He added that the call for a change is beckoning. Tinubu stated that APC was the party to bring about a change in the nation in the midst of crises, urging that the primary be conducted in the spirit of openness, fair play and transparency. “APC is the party that will bring care to this nation, Nigerians may be in despair, but we promise them help. Nigeria will change for the better and the economic doom Nigeria is facing will be wiped away by the cure the APC will bring,” he said.

•Fayemi: APC Convention Committee chairman

Chief host, Governor Babatunde Fashola, welcoming the delegates to Lagos, said the time had come for a change at the national level, which anyone elected by the party would bring. “We are welcoming you to a change for the better, a change to liberate Nigeria from inefficient management. The bridge between us and the promises made by those in power have been shattered by the PDP and the presidency. The list of promises is as long as the list of disappointment,” he said.

The governor went on to list several promises made by the Jonathan administration which were never fulfilled: the failed 2nd Niger Bridge, routes to be built in Damaturu, upliftment of the Sokoto-Kotangora Road, among others. He added that the PDP had failed to provide security for the nation as Nigeria is losing parts of its territory to Boko Haram insurgent. “This party is coming to you again for vote. Nigeria must be rescued. We have to restore the broken promises and restore Nigeria to the path of management. One man is key to this change and all of you delegates are to choose that man. You have to vote wisely,” he said. Chief Ogbonanya Onu, Chairman, Presidential Screening Committee lamented that for 16 years, one party had been governing the nation, saying that the PDP had plunged the nation into the abyss, with Nigerians suffering tremendously, stressing that the time for a change had come, while calling on Nigerians to make the right choice.

Onu said Nigerians must give the APC the chance to govern if it must be changed and transformed, saying that the change in power was possible because this was the first time the APC is controlling 14 states in the nation, but that with the support of the populace, victory is sure.

Speaker of the House of Representatives, Aminu Tambuwal, opined that the APC made history when several parties came together under one umbrella to form the party because of the yearning to usher in a change in the country. He said the APC was presenting to Nigeria the most credible alternative better than what we have in Nigeria today. He added: “We call on Nigerians to come together and support the presidential candidate of the APC and vote out the incompetent administration we have in Abuja. Today, Boko Haram has taken over Nigeria and this is regrettable. APC will arrest this situation when we come into office. The aspirants should be ready to accept the outcome of this exercise and join the winner to move the nation forward. You have to support the APC candidate in the coming election,” he added.

Also, chief Audu Ogbe, APC chieftain said there is disaster coming to Nigeria which must be prevented at all cost and that the only way to nip this in the bud was for Nigerians to vote for the APC in next year’s presidential election. “Who is deaf that cannot hear the bombs in the nation? Who is here and cannot see the threats to our future? The youths constitute 60 per cent of the nation’s population and there is no future for them. Our economic policy has closed the door to growth. We have electricity that cannot support our industries. We have become a miserable nation of consumers that import everything, including toothpick. It is to prevent this disaster that we are here, we are going to win the election, Nigerians must not make the wrong choice, you have to support the APC presidential candidate,” Ogbe stated. The five presidential aspirants were allowed to address the delegates before the commencement of voting around 2.00am on 11 December, 2014.

Buhari urged the delegates to remember that history, change and the hopes of Nigeria were there with them and that the delegates should vote according to their conscience. “We seek a new Nigeria. It starts with us. It starts today. I have placed myself before you seeking your help to nominate me as your standard bearer for our progressive party, APC. Personal ambition does not drive me in this regard. I seek to be the next president of our beloved nation because I believe I have something to offer Nigeria at this time of multiple crises,” he said.

He then went on to paint a bleak picture about Nigeria where insecurity, corruption, and economic collapse have brought the nation low. “Time is past due that we work together to lift Nigeria up. I am ready to lead Nigeria to its rightful future. I have always served Nigeria to the best of my ability. I have always tried to give more to the nation than it has given me. This is the principle of service that has guided my public life. Thus, I am not a rich person. I cannot give you a bucket of dollars or naira to purchase your support. Even if I could, I would not do so. The fate of this nation is not up for sale,” Buhari said.

The former Head of States said what he would give the nation was all his strength, commitment, sweat and toil in the service of the people, saying, “what I can give you is my all. I do not intend to rule Nigeria. I want to democratically rescue it with your help. I seek a Nigeria where Christians and Muslims may practice their faith in peace and security.”