Buhari: I’m okay with consensus or primaries

Buhari, who was on a consultative visit to Kwara State Governor Alhaji Abdulfatah Ahmed, said he joined the presidential contest for the fourth time to ensure that the country is efficiently managed.
Speaking after a meeting with the governor, Buhari described the consensus option as good, but that the decision rests with the party and the people on whether to go for primaries.
“It is up to the party and it is up to the people. We want a fair playing ground for everybody, let Nigerians be given the impression and let them believe that they do matter,” he said.
“All these efforts to salvage them are for them and for the country but if there is a consensus agreement, it is well and good. It would save time and resources but if people insist on making sure that all those that want to lead should present themselves and let the people decide, it is all well and good. The system allows it.”
Buhari also spoke on the withdrawal of former Kwara governor, Bukola Saraki, from the presidential race, saying he didn’t beg him to quit.
“I read it in the papers, I didn’t beg him to leave for me, it is his decision. He has been a governor. He knows the politics of the country, his father worked extremely hard and virtually established a dynasty, voluntarily supported by people of this state,” he said.
He spoke also on his previous experience as presidential candidate.
“I contested three times, I lost three times and I ended up in Supreme Court three times. We thank God the constitution did not limit how many times you can contest, once you are 18 years and above. The constitution didn’t put age limit as well,” he said.
Buhari was accompanied to the state by former House of Representatives Speaker Aminu Bello Masari, chairman of the defunct Congress for Progressive Change (CPC) Chief John Momoh, former governor of Bayelsa State Timipre Sylva and Senator Shola Adeyeye from Osun Central, among others.