President Muhammadu Buhari has warned the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) against engaging in “shortcuts and illegal manoeuvres” during the primary elections ahead of the 2019 general election.
He said engaging in such could divide the party as it has done to “the opposition party”.
The president made this known on Monday at the opening ceremony of the party’s national caucus meeting which held at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.
He said, “ Now that INEC has come out with the timetable for elections in 2019 , the party should prepare itself for congresses at the wards , local governments, states and the centre.
“ We should strictly follow the constitution of the party in undertaking these party elections. We should ensure internal democracy and avoid shortcuts and illegal manoeuvres which have characterised the opposition party with the consequences that they are now divided.
“The APC has a history of conducting free and fair primaries whenever consensus about any candidacy is not reached.
“Regardless of the outcomes of the primary processes , it is imperative that we all work together to ensure the victory of our party.”
He said the 2015 electoral victory of the party was a testament to the unity that exists within its fold.
“This unity needed now more than ever , because elections are now looming.
“I must state at the outset that to succeed we must in all our actions and decisions follow strictly the constitution of our party.”
Buhari added that his administration has been able to overcome the Boko Haram challenge but only minor security challenges exist across the country.
“Lest we forget , we must always remind ourselves of the dire situation in which we came to office . Therefore , we must not be shy in projecting our tremendous achievements from 2015 to date .
“ The territorial integrity of Nigeria is no longer under threat . A number of security challenges still exists, but they exist in even the most well policed and well secured countries .
“ I am confident that the measures we are taking will tackle the acts of rural banditry , herdsmen / farmers ’ conflicts , communal clashes , kidnappings and other crimes,” he stated.
The president also expressed hope in the ability of the Asiwaju Bola Tinubu-led APC Reconciliation Committee to reconcile warring parties members and achieve cohesion within the party’s fold.