President Muhammadu Buhari has urged political leaders to stay focused and uphold the ultimate objective of promoting interest of the country.
The President reminded them that they had no other country than, and therefore the need for them to safeguard her unity and perpetuity.
President Buhari, who received former State Chairmen of the defunct Congress for Progressive Change, CPC, at the State House in Abuja, noted that the passion and zeal for improving the livelihood of Nigerians, which culminated in the creation of the political party had not dwindled, calling for more steadfastness as Nigerians.
The President said the self-centeredness that led to the loss of about a million lives between 1967-1970 must not be allowed to repeat itself, noting that the CPC was founded on the bedrock of patriotism and loyalty to the unity of the country.
President Buhari urged all members of defunct CPC and political leaders to always be mindful of the larger picture by working towards preserving the unity, peace, and integrity of the nation.
He thanked former chairmen of the political party, which was merged to form the governing All Progressives Congress, APC, for always highlighting the achievements of the government, admitting that some areas will surely get more attention.
President Buhari said he was particularly grateful for the unalterable belief the members of CPC, and by extension, the Nigerian electorate, had and still have in him as demonstrated in their unalloyed support for their electoral struggles, which reflected in the results that was consistently recorded at the polls over the years.
He said it was the solid credentials that the CPC possessed that gave the party a prime place in the merger that led to the formation of the All Progressives Congress.
The President said efforts had been made in appointing some members of CPC in his government, including those in the Federal Executive Council.
Describing the President as the Patriarch of the CPC, the Chairman of Forum of State Chairmen of the defunct CPC and former Chairman of the party in Niger State, Alhaji Umar Shuaibu, said the party had maintained all its structures across the country, assuring President Buhari of their loyalty, especially in the forthcoming elections.
Alhaji Shuaibu commended the President for providing strong leadership over the years, particularly in remaining balanced, fair and above board in electoral issues.
He said the CPC had always garnered millions of votes in elections across the country, and would support the APC Presidential candidate, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
Bello Wakili