A former Head of State, Muhammadu Buhari, on Tuesday said he would contest the 2015 presidential election on the platform of the All Progressives Congress, APC.
He said he decided to run because the Peoples Democratic Party-led federal administrations from 1999 till date were purposeless and that there appears not to be a government in place in Nigeria at present.
Mr. Buhari, who disclosed this in Abuja while addressing about 60 different groups urging him to run for the presidency said he would make his declaration formal on October 8.
The APC leader criticised the PDP-led administration since 1999, saying they lacked purpose.
He said in the circumstance, it is important for him to step in to seek an opportunity to salvage the situation.
According to him, “Today, we are in the 15th year of purposeless leadership by the PDP and all we have seen is unprecedented deterioration in the security and law and order situation, astronomical rise in the incidence and intensity of corruption, and in the failure of governance.
“And as we reach this last lap of the journey, I would like to request that we concentrate all our effort and energy toward realising and achieving change in how this country is run.
“The only way to meaningful change in this country is to vote the PDP out of power to which it was never legitimately elected, anyway. The task before us today is wide ranging and very great.
The first and most important is to take away power from those who have been misusing it.
“Indeed, except for the call of patriotism, public-spiritedness and an abiding love for the people off this country, nothing will today make honest, honourable and sane politician want to be saddled with Nigeria and an economy in trouble and a society in even deeper trouble – with its perilous security situation, with its extensive and almost unmanageable corruption and with its pervasive lawlessness. And a government – is there really a government? – that is not working.”
A former vice president, Atiku Abubakar, had last week declared his intention to contest the presidential election on the same APC platform, Nigeria’s main opposition party.
Mr. Buhari, a retired major general, who will be 72 in December, was Nigeria’s military head of state between 1983 and 1985.
He had contested presidential election on three previous occasions, but lost to the PDP candidates.
The former military leader, who joined politics in 2003, contested that year’s election on the ticket of the defunct All Nigeria Peoples Party, ANPP, but came second to the incumbent, Olusegun Obasanjo.
In 2007, he ran again on the platform of the same party, but lost to PDP’s Umaru Yar’Adua.
Mr. Buhari quit the ANPP to float the Congress for Progressives Change, CPC, became its standard bearer in the 2011 presidential poll, but was defeated by President Goodluck Jonathan.
“With your support, I intend to offer myself for the position of the president of the republic on the platform of our great party,” Mr. Buhari told his supporters under the aegis of Buhari Support Groups, BSG.
“I intend to make a formal announcement soon (October 8), and I hope I can count on your continuing support and sacrifice.”
The APC leader, however, urged the groups not to limit their support to him alone, saying, “I will like to point out to you that, to be more meaningful, your support must extend beyond my person and always be available to the party and all those the party puts forward; because it is the party that is the platform.”
According to him, the APC is a party with several qualified people for each and all the positions that would be contested, including that of the president.
He said it is the primaries that will determine who eventually represent the party in which capacity, adding “If I get the party nomination, I expect you will redouble your effort and commitment until we clinch the presidency. But in the event that it happens to be one of the other aspirants who wins, I will expect you as good party men to extend to him your total support. We are a united party, and united we shall remain, because our strength lies in our unity.”
Mr. Buhari said he was proud and thankful of his supporters adding that although “we may be the most under-funded project in the history of this country, but by the grace of God and your support, we are the greatest crowd puller in the nation today; and the credit for all this goes to you for being there on the scene of the struggle.”
He however warned all his supporters, volunteers and other well-wishers within the APC and outside the party not to insult or be rude to any other aspirant or party leader on his behalf.
He asked them not to engage in any kind of behaviour or conduct that would tarnish the image of any leader or promote division and rancour within the ranks of the party.
“Whoever does that should know he or she is working for the enemy. At the same time, I would like to appeal and urge you to be good ambassador of the opposition.
“As a body, the opposition is committed to the rule of law; and as members of the parties in the opposition, you must learn to do the same at all times. In particular, you must learnt to be vigilant especially just before, during and immediately after elections, whether these are rigged or not, so that sponsored hoodlums do not commit illegalities that are in the end blamed on you.
“Not only must you not take laws into your hands, no matter the level of provocation, you must be able to expose those planning to do so before they act.” Click to signup for FREE news updates, latest information and hottest gists everyday
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NO NO NO NO. NO Boko Haram People.
ReplyDeleteAPC started out looking like a promising party with sensible people till Buhari and Tinubu put themselves in the forefront by force instead of proven and dynamic people like Fashola.
mr. Gen. Buhari afta instigating ur pple 2 kill corpers u want 2 say dey shud nt kill ds time bt ds time dat wil neva happen we ar ready 4 wat eva u hv ds time
ReplyDeleteHonestly,we need a change. Am not feeling GEJ at all. Can't bear another 4 yrs
ReplyDeleteMr. Buhari, a retired major general, who will be 72 in December, was Nigeria’s military head of state between 1983 and 1985.
ReplyDeleteHe had contested presidential election on three previous occasions, but lost to the PDP candidates.
The former military leader, who joined politics in 2003, contested that year’s election on the ticket of the defunct All Nigeria Peoples Party, ANPP, but came second to the incumbent, Olusegun Obasanjo.
In 2007, he ran again on the platform of the same party, but lost to PDP’s Umaru Yar’Adua.
Mr. Buhari quit the ANPP to float the Congress for Progressives Change, CPC, became its standard bearer in the 2011 presidential poll, but was defeated by President Goodluck Jonathan.
Buhari, isn't it obvious to you that you will NEVER become the president of Nigeria in your life-time again. The hand writing is written boldly on the wall and you are just deceiving yourself.
Ewu - Boko Haram Sponsor
whether you like it or not Buhari is a total failure and will fail again, After promising the whole world and Nigerians that 2011 election is ur last bus-stop bt now you are coming up again! How sure are we that you can keep to you promises if elected into Aso Rock? Please Buhari step aside and allow young aspirants to contest. We are sick and tired the blood of innocent people cannot be waste again because of you!
ReplyDeleteYou just said that it has been a purposeless administration for the PDP since 1999. But you have failed to tell us what your purpose of contesting is. So may I humbly know what is your purpose or are u just hungry for power ?
ReplyDeleteanonymous 12;01.bokoharam ppl?,oh u mean d MD.CEO and HEAD OF STATE of bokoharam (oritsejafor) ?
ReplyDeletesoon he'll b importin newclear siter.u can see he is in same cult wt gej ndnigerian witches nd wizards association.gej lords
Eyaaa! At 72yrs this man still want to rule and yet them dey decieve us say the YOUTH are leaders of tomorrow. I tire for this country o!
ReplyDeleteAs for BUHARI, I wish U LUCK in Ur quest for POWER.
General is too old to think positive
ReplyDeleteSOS Message to the Almighty God. Please, Lord save us from the Boko Haram members in our politics especially the ones fighting for political offices. It would not be fare if they go unpunished. Let the natural law of Karma catch up with them
ReplyDeleteBuhari is too old too rigid too frigid too fanatic too BH supporting to rule Nigeria. Yu can contest until you are 92 years old yu will never rule again Insha Allah .
ReplyDeleteI really do not see much hope for nigeria and nigerians,the youths that are meant to be cheerleading meaningful change are even more corrupt and directionless that their elders/parents.Their loyalty and morals are dictated and controlled by money and they shout the name of God like alcoholic/drug addicts promising to stay of alcohol/drugs without seeking meaningful and professional help.They could actually make meaningful change to the direction of the country by taking the long and difficult road but they rather prefer paying allegiance to money and magical wealth that comes overnight without explanations.Next year by this time we shall all come to this forum to judge if there has been any real; changes as usual by paying lip service and hero worshipping n godfatherism
ReplyDeleteBuhari am sorry for u b/cos u are power drunk and u think power is ur birth right-Shame. You were a Military Head of state through coup plot and while in power you were incompetent rather the late deputy head Idiakpon commanded respect in the face of Nigerians. Buhari a core Muslim extremist made a provocative statement in 2011 election after being defeated resulting in Killing of our Southern Youth corpers in the North , Now you have come back to south and sick to be voted to power let me tell u again you have failed before election Physically and Spiritually and this time u will eat ur flesh. Nigerians donot want Military /ex-military President again in decent Democracy. The Boko Haran you nurtured have been defeated by GEJ administration , your treat to this present administration have close your future in Nigerian Politics. At your old age why cant you go and think of something else to do rather than fighting Nigerian with fake and lies. I was a member of ACN and immediate left when u merged CPC to ACN- I support the transformation of GEJ beyond 2015.
ReplyDeleteMr. B, can u pls itemize ur achievements as Head of State viz-a-viz the resources at ur disposal then. This would enable us assess how purposeful ur Govt was back then and it's likely relevance if u become President in 2015.
ReplyDeleteIt's really easy to talk-down others which is 98% of what Buhari does anytime he gets media attention. What is however more 'purposeful' to us the masses who u want ur votes from is that u keep informing us of ur past achievements (if any) to at least justify why (on God's green planet) u are running for president AGAIN, AGAIN, AGAIN, AGAIN,...
Dumbo, Abraham Lincoln ran for d president of d US again n again n again bfr he won n bcame 1 of d best presidents in d US. How has ur lyf changed fr d beta in d last 4 yrs?
DeleteJohn
I think Nigeria as a Country has fared better than Mr. Buhari. Nigeria is 54 today and has been failed by the likes of Mr. Buhari who is 71. My point is that it isn't Nigeria that has failed but our leaders. Why then should we give our votes to you, Buhari, a 'Serial Losser'?
ReplyDeleteBy GOD's grace PDP is dead this time . All Buhari's enemy who are predominantly in the north has learnt their lesson. No state for PDP to rig again .
ReplyDeleteBuhari is not only old but lack the basic education to rule Nigeria in this modern technological era.
ReplyDeleteIf only he can return all the lives that his organization boko haram have wasted I will vote for him.
If they kill this time after loosing, there will be war
ReplyDeleteSomeone should tell this man to go and sit down. Empitness oozes around him and the likes of him are exactly what Nigerians do not want, Nigerians want to move forward and not held back by ideas overtaken by modern day sanity. One thing is sure, all that initiated Boko Haram on this land shall have their remaining lifetome shameful and their death ridiculously shameful. This is the voice of karma.
ReplyDeleteMay Allah grant ur request this time, as we all know that a delay is not a deniala. You shall triumph come 2015.
ReplyDeleteits unfortunate some Nigerians are not constructive when making comments, lets forget our differences and do it once and for all. Let us stop attacking General Buhari on false allegations. Some medium only want to tarnish the image of the man. Nigerians, Buhari has done it before and will surely take us to the promised land.
ReplyDeleteGeneral Buhari, you are too old for the job period! Don't your party have younger viable options? Why must it always be you especially when you know that the south and middle belt don't like you because of your past?
ReplyDeleteYou literally murdered those young men even when it was made clear to you that as the time the Offence was allegedly committed there was no law prescribing punishment for same.
The stupid rigidity which you exhibited at that time is not different from those of present day Boko haram!
There will always be sentiments. . No doubt. I await the final flag bearer of the APC
ReplyDeleteno need asking what his reasons are. they are personal and vindictive. In fact the constitution should make it clear that anyone above 65 should not participate in politics cos they are a liability to this nation. No insurance company will take any policy for Buhari's age cos he is closer to his destination than were he is coming from. so late him go home and reminisce on his achievements in life if any.
ReplyDeleteThere has not been any trace of corruption to Buhari but GEJ's administration is filled with corruption mixed with impunity. Nigerians, if corruption is eliminated in this country, we will have power (electricity), good roads, and sustainable development.
ReplyDeleteTherefore, let us downplay sentiments and vote for Buhari that frowns at corruption.
If you like the situation of things in Nigeria right now continue to vote and support GEJ. Stop this tribalism talk and unfounded allegations. Buhari will fight against corruption head on in Nigeria. My only concern are the people around him like Tinubu, Atiku and others that have looted from Nigeria. Jonathan has failed. Corrupr must be brought to check.
ReplyDeleteJust to respond to those who still don't understand. You can call Buhari names till Nigeria is 100. If we don't have a leader like him, corruption will disintegrate Nigeria soon.
ReplyDeleteAll I hear is fanatic, muslim, etc. Just so you know same man has a Christian driver. Same man recommended Late Dora for Nafdac post.
Please open your eyes and see that there is no magic. The only reason Nigeria is suffering is because of corruption.
God has given us everything so our problem is just similar to the mentality of those who cannot stand merit. Buhari will score more anyday that the thieves ruling us and they know it won't be easy to loot when he comes on board. Please open your eyes to why he wants to rule - patriotism.
Why must it be Buhari? Why this holier than thou attitude? Mr. Fix it always ends up fixing nothing because they are too arrogant and egoistic to differentiate reason from emotions.
ReplyDeleteI wonder how much peedeephee is paying all this e rat, dat are ready to sacrifice their life. Nigerian like sufer, just yesday ur money was been smugle out this country if they were not cought nobody will have known. who knows hw many have gone out without notice. still some E rat will come here to shout Gej 2015. rubish.We need buhary to liberate us from this peedeepee thievs.
ReplyDeleteWe need a change but not from 72yrs old man..... Any candidate from 65 should be exempted from holding any political office or contest for an election. Please we need such constitution asap.....
ReplyDeletehow I wish u b nxt president. I jus lyk u as a person of purpose. best f luck Mallam Buhari.
ReplyDeleteFrom their comments one can easily understand they don‘t have anything in reality to disqualify Buhari but only displaying their hatred and sentiments, some said he (Buhari) is old, how old is obj when he came to power in 1999 and was his adminitration not better than that of the younger gej which is more corrupt, full of killings, tribal and religion sentiments. And for those that accused Buhari of sponsoring boko haram, i challenge them to come up with a proff, i keep on woundering why the goverment refuse to arrest him (Buhari) if truely he is the sponspor of boko haram or is he bigger than the goverment? Infants, you guys have notting to disqualify Buhari rather than hypocrisy and sentiment. So, is either we vote wisely come 2015 or we continue to SUFFER in silence for our FOOLISHNESS.
ReplyDeletebuhari,Im ashamed of you,at 72yrs you still want power,any way this is your last trial and you will still fail,the change we need is not you.
ReplyDeleteIn as much as we desire change,we need to be sure to get a change in the right direction. When do you intend the youths to become leaders of tomorrow when the same group of people remain in the corridors of power. Every leader in Nigeria wants a second term,those who have been there want to be there again. In 1976 Obasanjo was the head of state, babies who were born then were already 27years when he came back to power in 2003. He spent 8years handing over power when the baby was 35years old. Buhari left power in 1985,and now he still wants to come back in 2015,when a baby born in 1985 will be 30yrs. He will probably want to take his 8yrs,then the baby will be 38yrs. When will our youths have the chance to serve their fatherland apart from during NYSC? I think it's time we give a chance yo the younger generation. Everyone knows that after the age of 60-65years,the human system tends towards depreciation. That's why at that age people are expected to retire. I don't understand why after that age,people still seek to become President, A position that takes more than a pound of flesh and requires more mental and physical activity. I'm not speaking because of Buhari but for the future. We need to create a position for the elder statesmen and valuable old folks in the government,such that they'll be there to help the youths who should be in the 'engine room. My humble opinion.
ReplyDeleteThe person who liberate China was 82 when he did that. We need Buhari to clear this mess for 4 years then a true civillian can carry on. GEJ may be good in mind but in action and reality he is not there. He succumbs to theives so easy. How can somebody inherit petrol pump price of 65N then increase it to 97 only to come out after years that 60 % of surep funds are siphoned outside. So the masses are meant to suffer inocently. Stop hating Buhari because if every Niger deltan is as rich as Asari Dokubo and Tompolo, you will not see militants again. GEJ is not even useful to his own people not to talk of entire country. He can spend 3 or 4 complete months in Abuja without attending any function in the north, is that ok when he possess everything to use even at war scenario. Nigeria has never been so divided the way it is now. So things are going bad while few people are enjoying. Instead of telling Buhari to rest I think GEJ should be advised to go after spending 8 years in Aso rock because it is better for one to leave stage when ovation is highest. Power shift north - south is the best option for Nigeria for now . That is why PDP adopt it and recently national conference adopt same. Hunger, insecurity, unemployment, diseases, etc are non respecta of reigion, ethnic , tribe, colour etc. The best leader is he who carry everybody along with justice and equity even if he doesnt recognised GOD exist.
ReplyDeleteBuhari you will not rule nigeria again because you are 22yr older than nigeria ,it is not your brith right ok.you would respect 9ija because you older then.please bring ur son out ok
ReplyDeleteI weep for my beloved country NIGERIA as all these politicians sees Nigeria Politics as a Political Dumping Ground for people whose hands are stains with innocent blood and Ocult people to come and rule us, Buhari Nigeria does not need people like you again your time has expired long time ago allow Nigeria to have its peace
ReplyDeleteMallam, pls take a bow and rest becos d change we need now is nt u. APC should present a candidate like fashola and oshiomole if they want to contest with PDP.
ReplyDeleteWHO IS AFRAID OF BUHARI?
ReplyDeleteI write this because of millions of
Nigerians who are below 30 and who
constitute a significant chunk of our
voting population.
This is the ICT generation that is largely
ignorant about the events of the
Buhari era (1983-85) and so can be
misinformed and misled by needless
propaganda. I have sat with many in
the
under-30 bracket and those slightly
above who only have faint recollections
of the Buhari era and the level of
ignorance about that era is amazing.
Before being MILITARY Head of State,
Buhari had been Governor of one of
the Northern States (under Obasanjo’s
Military government) as well as
Minister for Petroleum. He later
served
as Chairman of PTF under Abacha.
Please consider the following
unassailable facts:
•He birthed and supervised the
establishment of our existing
refineries.
•There was no religious crisis while he
was Head of State. It started under his
successor IBB!
•In his time as Head of State he
reduced
inflation from 23% to 4%, by fiscal
discipline and a homegrown economic
team (not achieved under any other
era, even military).
•JJ Rawlings of Ghana took over 2yrs
before him, and killed all the corrupt
leaders, while Buhari only sentenced
the corrupt leaders here to prison.
•Under his watch as PTF Chairman,
what he did in road construction in that
short period hasn't been matched by
12yrs of the PDP.
•Hospitals and universities around the
country never witnessed as much
benefits as they got from the PTF from
any government after or before his
time.
•Despite serving in senior capacity in
the oil sector, first as Minister for
Petroleum and then Petroleum Trust
Fund, Buhari has no petrol station,
much less a rig, refinery or an oil block
like so many of our leaders.
•He could have retired into nauseating
opulence like an IBB or Danjuma or
even OBJ but didn't.
•Instead of hobnobbing with the high
and mighty, he has cast his lot with the
ordinary man most of who follow him
out of hope and belief in his values.
People who know him have said
of him... "All I need from Buhari is his
word, I can take it to the bank".
•He is the only politician in the North
today who fills rallies without renting a
crowd. The Kaduna rally of 2nd March
is eloquent proof!
•He refused to collect an allowance
while serving as Chairman of the PTF
because he said since he was already
drawing a pension from government,
his conscience would not allow him
to draw another salary from the purse
of the same government.
•He is the only former head of state
that does not own property or land in
Abuja .
•Every attempt to rubbish him through
probes in time past eneded up
vindicating him! The man who was
asked by OBJ to take over the running
of PTF before it was scrapped with the
aim
of probing and indicting Buhari, was the
one who ended up being prosecuted
for misappropriating $100m of PTF
funds!
Buhari again, was vindicated
•He has OPENLY challenged those who
accuse him of religious fundamentalism
to come out and show proof. No one
has till today, taken up the challenge.
His
personal driver of many years is a
Christian from Plateau State !
•His government initiated the War
Against Indiscipline that has made
environmental cleanliness, queuing up,
not urinating by the roadside etc
features of our national life even till
today Does it then surprise you why
corrupt people would be spreading
such heinous rumours about Buhari?
He
is a threat to them and they know
what he is capable of doing to
corruption and
corrupt people when he comes into
office! So shine your eyes and make
the right decision. If honesty and
probity are the things you want for
Nigeria ,now is the time to choose
right. When you cast your vote for the
BUHARI, you would have cast one vote
for a honest men.
Now that you know better, will you
please educate
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ReplyDeleteHello Every One, I am mrs amber bennett From texas U.S.A, I quickly want to use this medium to share a testimony on how i was directed me to a Legit and real illuminati member who have transformed my life from grass to grace, from being poor to a rich woman who can now boast of a healthy and wealthy life without stress or financial difficulties. After so many months of trying to to be a member of the illuminati and was scammed the sum of $3,000 i became so desperate in being a member online who will not add to my pains, then i decided to contact a friend of mine who recently became a member, we discussed about the issue and to our conclusion she told me about a man called James solomon who is the grand master So i applied to become a member of illuminati easily without stress and all the preparations where made concerning how to become a member in two(2) days i became a member and the sum of 1.5 million dollars was deposited into my bank account so i want to advice any one who wants to become a member should contact him via: (jamessolomonilluminati@hotmail.com) he does not know am doing this i pray that lucifer will bless him for the good things he has done in my life.
ReplyDelete