Buhari’s Supporters Storm APC Headquarters, Demand Direct Primaries

Onyebuchi Ezigbo in Abuja

A group claiming to be supporters of President Muhammadu Buhari and Vice President Yemi Osibanjo Monday held a protest at the national secretariat of the All Progressives Congress in Abuja expressing its support for the adoption of direct primaries for the 2019 elections.

The group, which stormed the party premises at about 1pm, mounted pressure on the security men at the gate before gaining entrance into the premises.

Member of the group demanded to meet with the National Chairman of APC, Adams Oshiomhole, to submit a petition to him.

Some of the protesters however displayed placards with contradictory inscriptions such as: “Indirect primary we stand”, “We support direct primary” and ” Power must go back to the people.”

Addressing its members, the leader of the group, Grassroot Mobilisation for President Buhari/Osibanjo, Hon. Yusuf Musa Ardo, said they came to show support for direct primaries because it will help return power to the people.

Ardo, who was flanked by the group’s chairman, Ambassador, Hajia Fatimah Gohi, said: “We are Nigerians and supporters of this party, this is grassroots mobilisation for PMB/Osibanjo and we are not happy with the position of some of the governors and some of the National Working Committee members.

“We are in support of direct primaries, power must go back to the masses. We are tired of corruption and manipulation. They have been manipulating Nigerians and the masses, we cannot continue to support that idea,” he said.

Oshiomhole was not available to receive the protesting group but his Chief of Staff, Hon. Abbas Braimah, was on hand to receive their petition.