The ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) has said it would not impose any stalwart as its presidential candidate for the 2023 general election.
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) recently alleged that President Muhammadu Buhari had a “self succession plan.” But reacting on Wednesday, the APC said Buhari has no third term agenda, adding that after the congresses and national convention, the party would field a consensus presidential candidate for the poll.
The statement however, caused stir within the APC as some party leaders were jittery that the top echelon of the party would impose a presidential candidate ahead of the 2023 poll.
Secretary of the APC Caretaker/Extraordinary National Convention Planning Committee, Sen. John James Akpanudoedehe in a statement yesterday said the party’s presidential, governorship and other candidates for the 2023 polls would emerge in accordance with the provisions of the party’s constitution.
“In adherence with internal democracy, when the time comes to elect the APC 2023 presidential flagbearer and other party candidates, the process will be in full compliance with the provisions of the 1999 Nigerian Constitution (as amended), the APC Constitution and the approved party guidelines for the nomination of candidates.
“For clarity, the APC constitution provides that party candidates in all elections emerge through democratically conducted primary elections or where possible, consensus.
“The misleading interpretations given the earlier statement, particularly conspiracies aimed at senior party leaders and their perceived presidential ambitions are unnecessary and misplaced.
“The APC leadership will not impose any candidates in the leadup to Congresses, National Convention and the 2023 General Elections,” the party said.