The Progressive Governors Forum meeting held in Kebbi House, Abuja on Sunday ended up in war of words, and members now expect President Muhammadu Buhari to give the final word on direct primary NASS expects him to sign into law soon.
According to a report by the Punch, the 22 governors of the APC somehow found themselves divided. Those, especially governors rooting for the APC national leader Bola Tinubu, who favour the NASS bill battled those who are against it.
While Nasarawa Gov. Abdullahi Sule championed those for the bill, Kogi Gov Yahaya Bello led those who want the party to decide.
Apart from Sule and Bello in the north central, and Bagudu in the northwest, many of the APC governors are among those in sympahty with Tinubu’s undeclared ambition, and by extension, the direct primary bill.
The NASS bill transmitted it to Buhari last Friday, and Speaker Femi Gbajabiamila was there at the presidency earlier to sell the bill to Buhari.
According to Gbajabiamila, Buhari is a popular politician the masses love and root for directly. And he said the bill will even boost the not-too-young to run law Buhari himself favors.
ThePGF chairman and Kebbi Gov Atiku Bagudu said the Sunday meeting conclusion would be taken to Buhari. However, Sen. President Ahmed Lawan made his own circuit to Aso Rock Villa on Monday—to further lobby Buhari on the bill.
He told journalist asking about his personal take on direct primary—that whatever the federal lawmakers say is his own position
“It is now for Mr President to engage with his assistants and those who normally advise him for him to take the next and most appropriate action,” he said.