NORTHERN governors in the All progressive congress (APC) have reiterated their stance on power shift to the south.
The Chairman of the Northern States Governors’ Forum, Governor Simon Lalong of Plateau State, briefed State House reporters after the meeting with the President at the Presidential Villa in Abuja.
He said the 13 of them apologised to the President for receiving the information about their position after it was leaked.
The governor, however, said that they took the decision in the interest of justice and peace in the country.
Lalong, who stated that they will hold another meeting by 5pm today among themselves, said the President took their position and added that the presidential candidate must emerge through a transparent process.
He added that President Buhari directed them to meet the party’s National Working Committee (NWC) to agree on the succession programme.
On the absence of the Governor of Kogi State, he said his colleague was not part of the agreement as his signature was not on the statement.
In his contribution, Governor Nasir El-Rufai of Kaduna State said it was the democratic right of Kogi governor to excuse himself.
This comes after the party’s national chairman, Abdullahi Adamu, reportedly declared Senate President, Ahmad Lawan, as consensus candidate.
Adamu was said to have made the announcement at the meeting of party’s National Working Committee (NWC) on Monday in Abuja.
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Other aspirants including Vice President Yemi Osinbajo; Asiwaju Bola Tinubu; Dr. Kayode Fayemi and David Umahi, among others will however be allowed to contest the primary at the convention holding tomorrow at the Eagle Square, Abuja.
