2019 declaration: Buhari not under obligation to consult ―Shettima

FOLLOWING what seems like a surprise declaration at the All Progressive Congress (APC) National Executive Council (NEC) meeting on Monday by President Muhammadu Buhari to seek a second term in 2019, Governor Kashim Shettima of Borno State has said that the president is not under obligation to consult with anyone before making his intention known.

Giving his reaction to journalists at the presidential villa, Abuja on Monday, he observed that the president had been under pressure to declare for the race.

Asked if Buhari consulted with the governors before making Monday’s announcement, Shettima said: “He is not under any obligation to consult governors or anybody. He has been under tremendous pressure to make that pronouncement.

“So, we should have a sight of relief since he has finally announced his intention to contest.”

The governor expressed his support for the president’s re-election bid, noting that Buhari has the right of first refusal.

“We are fully in support of his decision and its part of democratic culture, traditionally the president has the right of first refusal of the candidature of their party, so its not something that is unusual or unwarranted or unconstitutional he has done the right thing, he is going to contest and we are solidly behind him,” he stated.

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He said other APC governors were also behind the president as they would provide him with the kind of support he enjoyed from them in 2015.

“We will give him the kind of support we gave him in 2015,” he added.

The governor also said that the president’s declaration would not be a distraction to his administration but rather strengthen the business of government.

“Certainly it is not distracting government. It will even calm down governance so that people will concentrate on the real act of governance and deliver the dividends of democracy,” he declared.

On Buhari’s chances for re-election, Shettima said: “Certainly, he is the single kinetic president in Nigeria’s political life till date.”