THE All Progressives Congress ( APC) said it needed time to study the statement, saying it will only respond to the former President’s letter after carefully studying it.

The Nation gathered that the content of the letter was discussed at a National Working Committee of the party which was ongoing at the time the statement by the former President was made public.

After an initial WhatsApp message which reads “will respond on this platform asap” National Publicity Secretary of the party, Mallam Bolaji said in a short WhatsApp message: “the APC has asked to be given the opportunity to study the statement. We will respond appropriately afterwards.”

In the said letter, the former President outrightly said that the current administration of President Buhari and his party, All Prigressives Congress (APC) has failed, asking the President not to contest for a second term in office.

However, National Secretary of Action Democratic Party (ADP), James Okoroma said former Chief Obasanjo was right, adding that the former the former President has set the stage for what he described as a new Nigeria.

Okoroma said: “Obasanjo has set the stage for a new Nigeria. The damage caused by the Buhari Government is enormous and we must endeavour to rebuild our Country. The former President made it clear in his statement that the Buhari government is a monumental failure.

“According to Obasanjo, Buhari cannot be credited with any achievement in any sector: Security, education, economy, national cohesion and infrastructural development. Never have we been as divided as we are today.

“Obasanjo’s description of Buhari as clannish and nepotistic is apt and appropriate. Buhari’s lopsided appointments in favour of his Fulani kinsmen, makes him unworthy of leading other Nigerians. Buhari remains a disappointment to the Nation. His lack of capacity, vindictiveness, narrow mindedness and shallow understanding of global politics, make him a bad choice for the future of Nigeria.

“Obasanjo has thrown the challenge to all Nigerians. He has even volunteered to be part of a Coalition for a new Nigeria. This government is evil and must give way. In fact, the day I saw the stomach of a pregnant woman ripped open by Fulani Herdsmen in Benue, was the day I knew that God had terminated Buhari’s government spiritually. The physical termination of the life of this government has begun with the new activism championed by Obasanjo.”

Also reacting, National chairman of United Progressives Congress, (UPP) Chief Chekwas Okorie described the statement as timely, adding that the Buhari administration has done enormous danger to the unity of the country than any administration before it.

He said: “The fact remains that Buhari is non performing, nepotic, sectional and very clueless. He has put Nigeria in more danger than any president before him. He doesn’t behave like one who fought during the civil war. Nigeria is more divisive under Buhari.”

He however disagreed with the former President’s suggestion that President Buhari should not contest a second term, saying “he should be allowed to run. In fact, I am praying that APC should present him in 2019 to make its defeat easy. His not running will make it difficult to defeat APC.’’

Also, National Chairman of Allied Congress Party of Nigeria (ACPN) National Chairman Alhaji Ganiyu Galadima said Obasanjo’s statement was sincere and apt, adding that former President Obasanjo is known for his true stand on national issues.

He said: “The advice of President Olusegun Obasanjo to President Mohammad Buhari not to contest in 2019 is apt and sincere. President Obasanjo is a former Nigerian president known for his truth and bluntness.

“He is different from other partisan Nigerian leaders who engages in macabre dance of shame and insincerity. He says his own not minding whose ox is gored. He is a patriotic and a detribalised Nigeria and the advice given should be taken in good faith…

“Whether anybody likes it or not, the health of President Mohammad Buhari is an issue in 2019. The question is this, is he fit enough to be president again in 2019? If I am a family of the President, I will advise him to retire on the ground of His deteriorating health so as to face his health challenge and be useful to his immediate family.

“Due to his ill-health, president Buhari has been unable to grapple with the challenges of leadership. People have taken the advantage of His health condition to commit political brigandage that has rubbish his reputation while the President couldn’t take action.

“There is so much corruption, insecurity and lack of sincerity on the part of people working with the president. The President should shun the clarion call of political jobbers and sycophants parading the Presidency urging him to contest. Those people does not mean well for him.”   –  The Nation

– Jan. 24 2018 @ 04:32 GMT