As the 2019:general elections draw nearer, candidates of the All Progressive Congress APC, contesting the 2019 general election have been assured that President Muhammadu Buhari will campaign for them.
Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity, Garba Shehu, who made the position known on Sunday, said the President’s popularity places him above all other Presidential candidates, adding that “ the President has no competition in terms of popularity”
Shehu stated that the clarification became necessary following repeated media enquiries on the matter.
According to him, “ the Presidency wishes to state in clear and unmistakable terms that as a party leader and a candidate on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the coming elections, President Muhammadu Buhari will campaign for the party and all its candidates.”
Shehu noted however, that this does not mean that the President, as the nation’s leader, will decline courtesy calls or offers of support from citizens including candidates flying the flags of other parties.
“There is no doubt that the President has no competition here in terms of popularity in the coming elections. But the more support he gets, the wider the margin of victory there will be.”
“So please let there be no confusion about this. President Buhari is APC.
“He will campaign for all APC candidates, but he welcomes support and endorsements.
The statement is coming on the heels of plans by the President to inaugurate his Presidential Campaign Council tomorrow at the International Conference Center, Abuja.
The President who said he will run a lean campaign, said the plan is to ensure that funds are conserved.
The perhaps may have influenced his decision to personally Chair the Council himself , as well as ensure that funds are centrally controlled and disbursed.
Tony Ailemen, Abuja
