Presence Of APC Leaders, Govs At Buhari’s Declaration Not Sign Of Endorsement – Odigie-Oyegun

The National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Chief John Odigie Oyegun, Saturday, dismissed speculations that the party has subtly endorsed the candidacy of former Head of State, Gen. Muhammadu Buhari (retd) as its flagbearer in the 2015 presidential election.

He was reacting to the presence of high powered delegation from the national secretariat of the party and several leaders of the party across the country at the formal declaration of intention to contest for the party’s presidential ticket by Gen. Buhari.

Speaking with reporters yesterday at the party secretariat in Abuja, the Chairman said nobody should read meaning into the presence of several party leaders at the event, pointing out that it does not translate to the party endorsing the candidacy of the former Head of State.

Asked if the presence of the party’s leaders did not mean a subtle endorsement, he said: “It does not necessarily equate to that. I think the General was extremely well advised. He is extremely humble for a man of his age and his attainment.

“He went personally to each of those people who were there, the people you are thinking of, and delivered the invitation personally, and so, out of respect for his humility, out of respect for his age and what he has been, they felt obliged to go and I think that it is a very good thing. That does not translate to endorsement. It may still be, but for now, don’t read too much meaning to it”.

Gen. Buhari formally declared his ambition to contest for the presidency come 2015 on Wednesday at the Eagle Square, Abuja, with prominent party chieftains from across Nigeria and several APC governors in attendance at the epoch-making event.