Many presidential candidates are ‘chasing personal interest’

2019: CSO rates Buhari above Atiku, other challengers, give reasons

As preparations heat up ahead of the 2019 general elections, Nigerians have been warned to be wary of candidates who would draw the nation back to dark age.

The New Initiative For Credible Leadership (NICreL), which gave the warning, said having carefully analysed those gunning for the office of the president, it observed that most of the candidates are chasing personal interest.

The group said from its findings and observations, President Muhammadu Buhari of the All Progressives Congress, APC, remains the best option to pilot the affairs of Nigeria for another four years.

Samson Onwu, executive director of group, said this while addressing the media on Thursday.

Onwu also cited some of the monumental achievements of the Buhari-led government to include; increase in foreign reserve, completion of abandons projects as well improved security system.

The group’s director, therefore, urged Nigerians to support the Buhari/Osinbajo mandate so perfect the real change the country deserves.

“As the 2019 general elections draw near. Different personalities have indicated intent and readiness to contest the next presidential elections. This is very normal and healthy for any thriving democracy. A robust participation is one of the signs of a healthy democracy,” he said.

“We at the New Initiative For Credible Leadership (NICreL) consider The forth coming elections as very important one for the country. Various individuals have emerged as flag bearers for the different parties- Atiku Abubakar for the People’s Democratic Party ( PDP), Oby Ezekwisili for the Allied Congress Party of Nigeria (ACPN), Donald Duke for the Social Democratic Party (SDP) and Muhammadu Buhari for the All Progressives Congress (APC) and a number of other contestants.

“Having appraised all the candidates and carefully analyzed their different abilities vis-a-vis their various stints at public office, we at the New Initiative for Credible Leadership have reached the conclusion that NONE of them is a better option than President Buhari, judging by antecedents, performance and character.

“To appreciate this view, it is important that we take a look at where we were as a nation in 2015 and where we are now; by this, we will undoubtedly appreciate the progress made so far in our evolution as a nation.

“We have heard a lot of propaganda here and there on the state of the nation and how that life was better under the PDP government than now. Nothing could be further from the truth than that statement.

“Among those who are opposed to Buhari’s reelection are looters who have been denied access to the treasury plus those who benefited from the past plunder. We at the NICreL have however decided to go forward and not backward any more. Our support and vote goes to President Buhari in the 2019 election because of the tangible things we have seen.”