One of the frontline aspirants for the position of the National Chairman of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), Mallam Saliu Mustapha has explained why he pulled out of the race few hours to the national convention of the party.
Six of the aspirants had last Saturday, the convention date issued a joint statement to formally withdrew from the race. The list included, Sani Musa,Tanko Al-Makura, George Akume, Saliu Mustapha and Etsum Mohammed.
Mustapha in a statement on Monday titled “We ran a good Race’ said he acted for the greater good of the party.
“Since our party held its long awaited national convention, I and my team have been inundated with calls from political associates and friends, and even the media on what they viewed as an unexpected turn of event that saw me stepping down on the convention day.
“Indeed many would have wanted me to take the battle to the convention ground because that was our goal but we had to pull back in deference to our great leader President Muhammadu Buhari.
“My decision to concede was never an easy one but I pride myself as a core party man who does not joke with loyalty and party supremacy.
“Only a few years ago, I considered the greater goal and refused to take steps that could have cost our party, Kwara state when I was unfairly treated at the gubernatorial primaries but not once did I regret that decision.
“I congratulate the new set of party leadership and urged them to hit the ground running and complete the reconcilation process which Senator Adamu started because we have an election to win in a few months time”, the statement added
Mustapha who is also the Turaki of Ilorin also commended members of his campaign team for their commitment and zeal.
He said: “To my political associates,friends, members of my campaign organisation and other volunteers in support groups across the country who all worked tirelessly on the project, I urge you all to keep the faith.
“And I also won’t forget to appreciate the good people of Kwara state for their unquantifiable support in spite of everything.
“We may have lost a battle but we did not lose the war. We brought colour and brilliant ideas to the race, and indeed our party members and the leadership took notice.
“We hope to meet with the new party executives led by Senator Abdullahi Adamu with a view to sharing our thoughts on the way forward with them.”