The President advised Nigerian politicians to learn from several aspirants like Governor Akinwunmi Ambode of Lagos State “who despite his loss, didn’t abandon APC for another party because he was angry over the outcome of the gubernatorial primaries.’’
According to Buhari: “in every competition, someone has to win and someone has to lose, but those who lost should not abandon the party or lose their enthusiasm for the advancement of the party.”
The President, whose advice to APC aspirants for various elective posts that lost in the recent primaries of the party across the country, as captured by a statement by the Presidential spokesman, Malam Garba Shehu said: “the larger interest of our party is greater than our individual ambitions, and we should therefore work together for its success, despite our losses.’’
He stressed that in politics, “we shouldn’t lose hope permanently because tomorrow could present another opportunity for us to contest again and win.’’
He advised the losers of the primaries to always put the party first “because we are in it together to serve the country, and I am always proud of our members who demonstrate sportsmanship and a good party spirit.”
President Buhari also enjoined the winners to show grace in victory instead of mocking the losers, as such action is capable of destroying party unity and cohesion, adding that the tent is large enough for members.
“Those elected should see their positions as a public trust instead of abusing their mandates to amass personal wealth at the expense of the ordinary voters who voted them into power.’’
