TheCable

A coalition of pro-democracy and civil society groups has asked President Muhammadu Buhari and the All Progressives Congress (APC) to choose Boss Mustapha, secretary to the government of the federation, as the party’s vice-presidential candidate.

The group said this in a statement issued on Wednesday and signed by Isa Pai, Chukwudi Emmanuel and Fola Akin.

The coalition, made up of the Peoples Alliance for Indigenous Rights (PAIR), Civil Society Action for National Inclusion (CSANI), and Society for Equity and Gender Advocacy (SEGA), said Mustapha will be a good choice for the party.

“Mr. Boss Mustapha is near-impeccable, reliable, trustworthy and without controversy or any baggage to underwhelm the APC project to retain power in 2023,” the statement reads.

“As a Northern Christian, the SGF will be bringing to bear the required balance, assuage the fears of the Christian population and an assurance that the interest of the North will be protected.

“Over the years, Boss Mustapha, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, has demonstrated dexterity in his duties, commitment and loyalty to the ideals of President Muhammadu Buhari.

“As the Chairman of the Presidential Task Force on COVID-19, Mr. Boss Mustapha demonstrated that in times of national (global) emergency, what is required is one individual who can lead, organise, direct, be focused, calm and reassuring. It is no small measure that he brilliantly coordinated the COVID-19 task team that performed creditably.”

The coalition also urged the president and leaders of the APC “to demonstrate, as they have always done, that in the march to greatness and Next Level, no section will be left behind, more so for those who have kept faith with the administration”.

“As the clock ticks to the final minutes for the choice of a Vice Presidential candidate, Mr. Boss Mustapha stands taller than any being considered at the moment in terms of his unblemished record, exemplary service to the administration and country, direction of purpose, geo-political and religious balance and inclusion,” they added.

Meanwhile, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has given political parties till June 17 to submit the list of their candidates for the presidency.