Buhari to APC Faithful: Ours is not winner-takes-all

Sunday, June 24, 2018 10:05 pm

President Buhari addressing delegates

President Muhammadu Buhari says the just-concluded National Convention of the All Progressives Congress (APC) is not about winner-takes-all but for building a party that will serve the nation diligently.

The President stated this in his remarks at the end of the convention held at the Eagle Square, Abuja, on Sunday.

He challenged those who emerged victorious at the party’s polls to be humble in victory, and that those who lost should be gallant and gracious in defeat.

“Everything was done in an atmosphere of give-and-take, knowing that in such contest only one person would ultimately win.

“Let the victors be humble in victory, and let those who didn’t win be also gallant and gracious in defeat.

“We are members of one party, and it is not about winner-takes-all. Rather, the purpose is to build a party that will put its best foot forward, and serve our country to the best of its ability.”

Buhari saluted the patience, forbearance and spirit of accommodation that were displayed throughout the period of the convention.

He also commended all the delegates and those who participated in ensuring the smooth conduct of the convention.

He said: “You were all here through the raw weather that persisted from yesterday (Saturday) till today (Sunday), but you bore it patiently.

“You persevered through the night, and deep into another day. Thank you very much.

“At the end of all proceedings, I believe we have put in place an executive that we all can be proud of, one that would lead our party from victory to victory, from progress to progress, and one that Nigerians can be proud of.”

The president thanked and congratulated members of the immediate past executive of the party led by Chief John Odigie-Oyegun, for their selfless service to the party.

He urged them to always lend the wisdom of their experience to the new executive members so as to build a cohesive party that would do the country good.

“In our country, not only the labour of our heroes past shall not be in vain, the labour of the current generation shall also be rewarded.

“APC will serve Nigeria to the best of our God-given abilities, and move our country to its right position in the comity of nations,’’ he said.

In their separate remarks at the event, president of the Senate, Dr Bukola Saraki and Speaker of House of Representatives, Mr Yakubu Dogara, challenged the new leadership of the APC to urgently address the challenges facing the party.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the newly elected members of APC National Working Committee (NWC)-led by Adams Oshiohmole, former governor of Edo, took oaths of allegiance at the event.

In his acceptance speech, Oshiohmole expressed readiness to commence work towards addressing all perceived cases of injustices in the party.

He, therefore, urged all members of the party to support and cooperate with the new executive to reposition the party, saying that they must all remain in the party and address its challenges together.