… As APC Says Buhari has no third term ambition, succession plan***
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has congratulated former President Goodluck Jonathan on his appointment as Chairman, International Summit Council for Peace (ISCP)-Africa.
The party’s congratulatory message is contained in a statement issued by its National Publicity Secretary, Mr Kola Ologbondiyan, in Abuja on Thursday.
ISCP-Africa, is an association of incumbent and former heads of state and their deputies, established in 2019 by the Universal Peace Federation (UPF), an organisation in general consultative status with the United Nations (UN).
Ologbondiyan said the appointment was in recognition of his leadership qualities as a democrat as well as his resounding success in peace keeping efforts across the world.
“Our party is assured that former President Jonathan, will deploy his wealth of experience strengthened by the democratic tenets and principles of our great party, in his new mandate of providing direction for the essentials of peace, security and development in Africa.
“The party also congratulates ex-President Jonathan on his appointment as the Chancellor of Cavendish University, Uganda (CUU).
“The PDP is elated that former President Jonathan is so honoured to hold the position previously held by late President Kenneth Kaunda of Zambia as well as late President Benjamin Mkapa of the Republic of Tanzania, because of his commitment to education and human capital development, in line with the ideals of the PDP,” he said.
Ologbondiyan urged Jonathan to use the positions to further the advancement of peace and development in Africa and the world at large.
In the meantime, the All Progressives Congress (APC), has reaffirmed that President Muhammadu Buhari, has no third term ambition or a succession plan as being alleged by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
Sen. John Akpanudoedehe, National Secretary, APC Caretaker and Extra-ordinary Convention Planning Committee (CECPC), said this in a statement issued in Abuja, on Thursday.
Akpanudoedehe, had earlier said that the party would come up with a consensus and agreeable presidential candidate to fly its flag for the 2023 Presidential Election, while reacting to allegation by the PDP that Buhari had a succession plan.
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He said it was unfortunate that the APC’s earlier statement, countering the PDP false allegation, was being twisted and given unintended interpretations in some sections of the media.
“Our statement is simple and straight forward. President Buhari has no third term ambition, a position he has personally reiterated.
“In adherence to internal democracy, when the time comes to elect the APC 2023 presidential flag bearer and other party candidates, the process will be in full compliance with the provisions of the 1999 amended Nigerian Constitution, the APC Constitution and the approved party guidelines.
“For clarity, the APC Constitution provides that party candidates in all elections emerge through democratically conducted primary elections or where possible, consensus,” he said.
He added that the misleading interpretations given to the party’s earlier statement was a conspiracy targeting senior APC leaders and their perceived 2023 presidential ambitions.
Akpanudoedehe said this was unnecessary and misplaced, stressing that the APC leadership would not impose any candidate in the lead up to congresses, National Convention and the 2023 General Elections.
