Nigeria’s ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) party voted on Wednesday in key primaries to choose a candidate for next year’s election to replace President Muhammadu Buhari.
No clear favourite emerged among the APC frontrunners vying to lead Africa’s most populous country, including former Lagos governor Bola Tinubu, Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, former transport minister Rotimi Amaechi and Senate president Ahmad Lawan.© Ludovic MARINNigeria’s President Muhammadu Buhari has been urging unity in the ruling APC party
The APC convention in Abuja took place two days after gunmen killed 22 people in an attack on a church in the southwest — a reminder that security in the elections will be a major issue.
More than 2,300 APC delegates were voting to select a candidate to face Atiku Abubakar, 75, of the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) among others in the February 25 presidential ballot.
Buhari, who is stepping down after the two terms he is allowed in the constitution, arrived at the Eagles Square convention centre on Tuesday evening before voting began very early Wednesday.© Kola SulaimonNigeria’s ruling party (All Progressive Congress) is holding its special convention to elect the party’s presidential flag bearer for 2023 election
The Nigerian leader spent the days leading up to the party convention in negotiations with the APC’s factions seeking unity over one strong candidate though he gave no indication of his favoured name.
“We must choose a knowledgeable, fair-minded nationalist with a very strong belief in the unity of our nation, Nigeria, and strength of character and purpose to steer the country forward,” Buhari said in a speech to the convention.
