Kogi 2015: Buhari Shuns APC ‘grand rally’

In an apparent move to distance himself from the All Progressives Congress (APC) gubernatorial election candidate in Kogi State, Prince Abubakar Audu, who is standing trial for corruption, President Buhari was absent at the grand rally in Lokoja, Kogi State.The rally was organised to create massive awareness and support for the candidature of Price Audu for the November 21 governorship election in the state.The Vice President of Nigeria, Prof. Yemi Osibajo, also boycotted the rally which was held at the Lokoja International Stadium.President Buhari was expected to present his party’s candidate to the electorate by raising his hand at the rally in line with political tradition. However, some national leaders of the party and some APC governors from the North Central attended the rally.In a related development, a group calling itself Kogi APC stakeholders in an advertorial, yesterday, accused the President of vendetta against Audu.In the advertorial signed by Elder Okpanachi Ameh Obulo, the group accused Buhari of trying to settle old scores with the governorship candidate.“We know our President as the father of all will not give a listening ear to sycophants and fifth columnists desperately trying to force him down the path of vendetta”, it stated.“But we are a bit apprehensive over some conflicting signals that tend to validate the speculations that there are scores to settle in high places. “The most recent was the cancellation of the grand rally planned for last Saturday in Lokoja.“Mr. President was not able to attend and perform his traditional role of presenting the candidate to the electorate. There were reports in the media alleging that the absence of Mr. President was actually a premeditated retributive boycott”.