Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Femi Adesina, has revealed why President Muhammadu Buhari did not impose or name a consensus candidate as his successor during the All Progressives Congress, (APC) presidential primary.
Adesina said the presidential primary that produced Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, as the partys flagbearer was a litmus test for the President, hence his neutrality.
He added that the President walked the talk of his promise that he would leave a legacy of a free, fair and credible process for the country.
He disclosed these in a piece, titled: Knock, Knock! Whos there?.
Adesina added that while one of Buharis predecessors in office allegedly imposed his successor, the President was non-discriminatory and allowed due process to take order of the day.
According to him, “There were at least 23 aspirants; the main thing on the agenda was usually who would be the preferred aspirant. What part of the country would he come from? Would the President name his favorite, or leave it to the democratic principle of voting? How did the President do it? How did he remain neutral, when he had earlier confessed that he had a favorite? Its a test of fairness, being a democrat or not, and the President passed it, despite all the odds.
The main thing on the agenda was usually who would be the preferred aspirant. What part of the country would he come from? Would the President name his favorite, or leave it to the democratic principle of voting? How did the President do it? How did he remain neutral, when he had earlier confessed that he had a favorite? Its a test of fairness, being a democrat or not, and the President passed it, despite all the odds.
While the process lasted, I had observed people who were core Buharists but now on different sides of the divide, go for one anothers jugular. Some were virulent, odious, descending to the level of indecency. But now that the race is over, can they sheathe their swords? Is there anything in life that should make us become indecent and uncouth in both language and action?.
The day of decision will come in February. May God spare us till then, and beyond. President Buhari has done his level best for his party, and the country. He has been beleaguered by some forces and interests since 2015, and it had largely been about the quest for power. He is exiting decently, orderly, doing his best till the last day. The onus is now on Bola Tinubu, Atiku Abubakar, and the other candidates to answer the ring at the door. Knock, Knock! Whos There?
