Voting resumes at APC National Convention as Buhari calls for unity

Voting resumed after a halt of about two hours at the ongoing special convention for the presidential primary of the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC.

Voting which was halted over allegations of malpractices resumed after the chairman of the security committee of the Convention, Abdulrahman Dambazzau announced that only two agents are allowed for each aspirant at the voting area.

Also, the Chairman of the Electoral Management Committee of the Convention, Governor Atiku Bugudu said all issues complained about by the aspirants which led to stoppage of voting have been addressed as much as possible.

Delegates from Kano and Bauchi States have voted as at the time of writing this report.

Voting was halted earlier when agents of one of the leading aspirants, Rotimi Amaechi complained that some leaders or agents of aspirants were helping others to write the names of those they should vote for.

This led Amaechi to personally go to the voting area to personally intervene by going to the voting area, an action which nearly led to total disruption of activities as his supporters and those of another leading aspirant exchanged words.

Meanwhile, President Muhammadu Buhari departed the Abuja venue of the All Progressives Congress presidential convention early Wednesday, minutes after he delivered his address.

He left with his wife, Aisha at about 1.30 a.m and was seen off by top officials, including Vice-president Yemi Osinbajo, one of the contestants in the primary.

In his speech, Buhari urged members of his party to remain united and avoid acrimony.

He rallied delegates at the special convention to consider voting for the presidential candidate with the best chances of securing victory in the 2023 general elections.

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In his address at the Eagle Square, venue of the special convention, the President said the critical task ahead of the Abdullahi Adamu-led National Working Committee (NWC) ”remains to continue to forge the unity of purpose among party members and to keep securing needed compromises in the interest of the party.”

The President, who spoke to the delegates before the voting exercise to elect the presidential candidate, urged party officials and delegates to follow due process and abide by all extant laws and regulations pertaining to election of the party flag bearer.

The Nigerian leader said the flag bearer must be knowledgeable, fair-minded nationalist with a very strong belief in the unity of the country and strength of character and purpose to steer the country forward.