Adamawa APC rejects Atiku, backs Buhari for 2019 election

The presidential ambition of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar may have suffered a major set back, as the Adamawa State chapter of the ruling All Progressive Congress (APC) yesterday declared their total support for President Muhammadu Buhari’s re-election in 2019.

The state party chairman, Alhaji Ibrahim Bilal, during a briefing in Yola, said his executive members took the decision to avoid losing the 2019 polls. He stated:” APC Adamawa State chapter is going to buy the presidential form for President Buhari and we are going to give him all the needed support to ensure his victory at the election.”

The decision comes four days after the Group Managing Director (GMD) of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), Dr. Maikenti Baru, visited the state to hold a secret meeting with some party chieftains.

The Guardian learnt the visit was to lobby the state executives and other stalwarts to back the President for the forthcoming general elections. Bilal told party members at the gathering to endorse, saying he had done much for the state. He added that it would amount to political betrayal to withdraw for the President who also happens to an in-law.

The chairman said the chances of Buhari returning were brighter than bringing a new candidate who may squander the goodwill. He noted that those hatching to unseat him for supporting Buhari were wasting their money and energy.

Bilal advised the people in question to invest their resources on profitable ventures, pointing out that none had the powers to sack him before the expiration of his tenure. Early this year, Governor Muhammed Umaru Bindow, declared the state’s support for Atiku’s presidential project.