Senator Abdulfatai Buhari has secured the All Progressives Congress (APC) senatorial ticket for Oyo North after delegates affirmed his nomination at the party’s primary election held in Iseyin.
Buhari, who was seeking a return to the Senate, emerged unopposed after 3,599 of the 3,997 delegates accredited for the exercise affirmed his nomination.
The primary, which took place on Tuesday night, was conducted by representatives of the APC national leadership, including Barrister Ejiro Etaghene, Dr. Hassim Adda and Sarah Egye Amiyawa.
Security agencies and officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) were also present to monitor the exercise.
The affirmation commenced at about 10pm and lasted several hours, with delegates expressing their support for Buhari’s return to the National Assembly through a voice vote.
Dr. Hassim Adda, who conducted the exercise, commended the delegates for their patience and urged them to remain committed to the party ahead of the 2019 general elections.
He said the APC remained committed to strengthening democratic institutions and improving living conditions through infrastructure development, provision of basic amenities and policies aimed at promoting commerce and industry.
Buhari Thanks Delegates
In his acceptance speech, Senator Buhari thanked the party leadership, delegates and members for the confidence reposed in him.
He recalled that he had received similar support during the previous electoral cycle and said the renewed mandate would encourage him to continue working for the people of Oyo North.
“In 2014, we did the same exercise here and you supported me and prayed for me to succeed. Together, we have been able to achieve what we have been able to do so far in the areas of empowerment, infrastructural development and legislative duties,” he said.
Buhari described the latest affirmation as another demonstration of confidence in his representation and promised to continue working for the development of the senatorial district.
“I want to assure you that you will not regret it because I won’t betray the confidence you reposed in me,” he said.
He added that he would continue to pursue programmes and legislative initiatives in line with the APC manifesto and the interests of his constituents.
Party Leaders Back Return Bid
The Oyo North Senatorial District Chairman of the APC, Alhaji Radaq Arikewuyo, said the decision to support Buhari’s return was based on what party members described as his record in the National Assembly.
According to Arikewuyo, Buhari’s performance as a lawmaker influenced the decision of delegates to affirm his nomination without a contest.
“The choice of Senator Buhari is buoyed by his outstanding performance as a lawmaker,” he said, adding that the party considered his return an opportunity for him to continue his work in the district.
He also thanked Governor Abiola Ajimobi, party leaders and other stakeholders for their support during the process.
A party chieftain in Oke-Ogun, Chief Ezekiel Olaogun, also expressed confidence in Buhari’s ability to build on his first term if returned to the Senate.
“He is an achiever and a core progressive. He would perform better and facilitate more development for the constituency this time around,” Olaogun said.
Buhari’s emergence as the APC candidate came as the party prepared for the 2019 National Assembly elections. INEC’s subsequent final list of senatorial candidates also listed Buhari as the APC candidate for Oyo North.
Among those present at the primary were party leaders and government officials, including Hon. Isaac Ajiboye Omodewu, the state Commissioner for Lands, Housing and Survey; Hon. Dauda Oladimeji, Commissioner for Works and Transport; local government chairmen and councillors, as well as party executives from across the senatorial district.
0 Comments