Ahead of the 2015 presidential election, the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Diaspora under the auspices of APC-Diaspora, Canada Chapter has declared support for the election of General Muhammadu Buhari and his running mate, Prof. Yemi Osinbanjo.
In a statement signed by the Public Relations Officer, APC-Diaspora, Canada Chapter, Mr. Jerry Solomon and forwarded to journalists, they said that the policy framework by the APC standard-bearer, Gen Buhari and his running mate, Prof. Osibanjo was the way out for the country to come out from the doldrums of under-development.
According to Solomon, they are agreeing absolutely with the issues raised by Prof. Osinbanjo on how the administrations of successive governments have been characterized by graft and corruption, whose effect inhibits the nation’s progress and development.
Solomon said, “We in APC-Diaspora, Canada Chapter and other branches are in full support for the party and appeal to Nigerians back home to vote wisely. We encourage Nigerians to objectively analyze issues confronting the nation, assess the performance of the current government and the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) as a whole, in comparison with development witnessed in APC controlled States in Nigeria and the good policies and plans itemised by Prof. Osinbajo and choose the path of true positive transformation.
“We are agreeing absolutely with the issues raised by Prof. Osinbanjo on how the administration of successive governments has been characterized by graft and corruption, whose effect inhibits the nation’s progress and development.
“Osinbajo said APC recognizes corruption as the central issue in Nigeria challenges, which is one of the major reasons General Muhammadu Buhari, who has a worldwide reputation as a strict fighter against corruption, has been chosen as the presidential candidate.
“What of protection of lives and properties, which is a major national issue? As Osinbajo said as one of the most important responsibilities of the government, that has been perpetually neglected, resulting in the increase level of insurgency as witnessed in the north-eastern part of the country, daily kidnapping of people that have plagued the south-east and south-south, theft and arm robbery that have almost become a norm in the society.
Solomon further said that the APC vice Presidential candidate lamented that the current leadership in Nigeria did not only lack the quality but have clearly demonstrated to Nigerians the lack of interest to function in that regard, that he cited the inability of the government to visit the areas affected by insurgency to assess situations first hand, as an indication of lack of will and insensitivity to the plight of the masses.
“He also said the military has to be adequately equipped and made combatant ready. He regretted that over N4 trillion spent on defence does not reflect in any form in the status of Nigerian defence system. Osinbajo said the ill-equipped and inadequate support of the military is responsible for their demotivation and inability to effectively fight the insurgency.”
However, Solomon urged the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, and security agencies to ensure a level playing ground was provided for all the aspirants, where a free and fair election will be conducted.
“We are much concerned about the conduct of election in Nigeria and want to urge the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, and also security agencies to provide a level playing ground and avoid the use of security apparatus to harass and intimidate the electorates,” Solomon stated.
He also advised the political parties and all the stakeholders to emulate Prof. Osinbajo and base their campaign strategy more on issues that bordered on how to develop the country rather than attacking each other and using political thugs to cause violence and disturbing the peace of the nation.
