The Governor of Imo State, Rochas Okorocha, has clarified his statement about 34 Nigerian Governor bidding a second term for President Muhammadu Buhari, which has been misunderstood by All Progressive Congress (APC) Chieftain, Bola Tinubu.
Mr. Tinubu had said, after meeting with the pan-Yoruba Socio-cultural organization; Afenifere, in Ondo State, that Governors cannot impose flag bearers for the party, as it would follow due democratic process in selecting its candidates, come 2019.
“Buhari is a believer in the process. The Buhari I know, believes in the rule of law. We wanted him even before the last convention and primary of the party and Akeredolu is here standing with me, he was not the governor then. He was one of the leading delegates that voted properly and Buhari was a clear winner.
“What you are hearing is just a campaign by other people who might like to do so. Buhari has not excluded anybody, and he has not infringed on anybody’s ambition if there is. We cannot be sycophantic about it.”
According to Tinubu, the endorsement was a rumour. He urged supporters to allow the President go for the primaries, rather than cheap campaigns.
However, Mr Okorocha, speaking to journalists after receiving an honorary doctorate degree award at Adekunle Ajasin University, Ondo State, expressed his surprise at the comments made by one of the party leader’s.
“Since I made the statement, no Governor has said something contrary to what I said. I am surprised that Asiwaju will now be speaking for the Governors.
“What I mentioned was for the Governors and secondly what I said is support. The word I use is support that does not mean there will not be a primary.”
The Governor expressed dissatisfaction with the exit of Atiku Abubakar, saying it is not in the best interest of the party.
Rochas said he has taken a holistic view of the party and believes Mr. Abubakar carries some political weight, which makes his departure a disadvantage to the party.
The President has not declared his intention or plans for the second term, but there have been assumptions and Media speculations that he would seek re-election in the 2019 Presidential elections.
