2023: Buhari Right To Choose His Successor, BMO Defends The President

The Buhari Media Organization (BMO) has described the request by President Muhammadu Buhari for him to be allowed to pick his successor in 2023 as a welcome development.

The group in a statement on Friday signed by its Chairman Niyi Akinsiju and Secretary Cassidy Madueke said President Buhari is entitled to the request he made.

The BMO argued that what President Buhari asked from Governors of the All Progressives Congress (APC) during Tuesday’s meeting is in line with global best practices as it will ensure continuity of programmes, policies and projects.

In justifying the move, BMO submitted that the fact that Buhari asked the Governors for support in what he wants to do is democratic in nature.

“We are glad that the President drew the attention of the governors to the fact that they (governors) have always had the chance to choose their successors.

“With the President choosing his successor, there will be continuity in the administration’s programmes and projects, but if this is not done it will have a debilitating effect on the economy of the country, in case the next administration fails to continue with the on-going projects.

“It is also necessary to state that President Muhammadu Buhari, in seeking the governors’ support for his choice of successor, has not in any way deviated from the democratic path. Indeed, he specifically sought the consent of the governors while asking them to consult among themselves on his request”.

The statement by BMO also argued that the move is not an attempt by the President to impose any candidate on Nigerians but purely a move by Buhari to be involved in the internal democratic operations of the APC.

It, therefore, urged the ruling party to concede to the request of the President as it will turn out in the interest of Nigeria and Nigerians.

“It will amount to abdication of responsibility as the party and country’s leader for the President to be aloof about his successor.

“Nigerians should also note that the President has no intention of imposing a candidate on the party.

“Rather, he has embarked on consultation with the relevant stakeholders to enable the party choose a flagbearer who will take the country to a higher level.

“We, therefore, urge the APC governors and other party leaders to support the position of the President to choose his successor as this will augur well for the country”, the statement added.