Buhari, who currently represents Oyo North Senatorial District, made this known during a meeting with the APC executive council led by the state chairman, Moses Adeyemo, at the party secretariat in Oke-Ado, Ibadan, Naija Street Matters reports.
According to the senator, anyone scared of facing fellow aspirants in a primary election lacks the competence required to fly the party’s flag during the general elections.
He maintained that his political journey and achievements within the APC were built on competence, credibility and strong principles, adding that these qualities would help guarantee a free and fair process in the state.
Meanwhile, APC chairman Moses Adeyemo announced that the party was making preparations to conduct transparent and credible direct primaries for aspirants contesting different positions.
Adeyemo disclosed this while receiving members of the party’s Screening and Appeal Committee sent from the APC national headquarters in Abuja.
He assured party members that all aspirants would receive equal treatment in line with democratic principles and the ideals of the APC.
According to him, efforts were ongoing to achieve consensus among aspirants, but indications showed that direct primaries might become necessary in some cases, including the governorship race.
He also noted that some aspirants could still decide to support a consensus arrangement if the need arises.
Buhari, who described himself as one of the strongest contenders among the 10 governorship aspirants screened by the committee, said he possesses the leadership qualities needed to govern Oyo State effectively.
The senator also promised to donate solar-powered lights and computer systems to improve activities at the APC secretariat.
As part of his support for the party, Buhari donated N5 million to the Oyo APC chapter and an additional N2 million to members of the state executive committee.
In response, Adeyemo commended Buhari for projects he facilitated across Oyo North Senatorial District, especially in the Oke-Ogun axis, while also appreciating his commitment and support to the party.
The gathering was attended by Buhari’s supporters and loyalists from all 33 local government areas of the state.
Naija Street Matters further gathered that former Minister of Power and APC governorship aspirant, Bayo Adelabu, had earlier rejected claims of a consensus candidate and encouraged all aspirants to contest in the primaries.
This followed the endorsement of Senator Sharafadeen Alli as consensus candidate by some APC stakeholders in the state.
Other aspirants, including former deputy governor Rauf Olaniyan and Akeem Agbaje, also supported the call for direct primaries.
