2019: Buhari has right of first refusal – Oshiomhole

National Chairman of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) Comrade Adams Oshiomhole, yesterday said that the incumbent President Muhammadu Buhari has the right of first refusal in the quest for the presidential ticket of the ruling party in 2019.
Oshiomhole made the declaration yesterday in Abuja while swearing in the new chairman of the APC in Delta state, Prophet Jones Ode Erue.
“The only partisan position you might be able to pursue within limits is maybe with regards to the presidential candidate because that, as far as we know today, no one has yet expressed interest to contest the presidential election and so, it appears that the party understands that the incumbent has the first right of refusal and even the governors have publicly kowtowed to that,” he said.
While speaking on the need to reconcile all the aggrieved parties in Delta, Oshiomhole said: “I just want to publicly advise you that from my own background, legal victory can be sweet but even sweeter is the people’s victory.
“The court cannot give that. I have vested interest in Delta because I come from Bendel and as Bendelites, we are committed to ensuring that APC wins the next election in Delta.
“In a democracy, you will be useful according to the amount of peace and unity you are able to help build in Delta state. Given the overall circumstances that led to where we are, I will advise, and on a future date we will meet along with other stakeholders in Delta and without questioning the legal status of putting in place a functional state executive in Delta state.
“It will require that we make sacrifices where necessary, persuading people who, even in the eyes of the law are properly in office but in the spirit of give and take will be ready to offer to vacate so that we can co-opt other persons in a way that gives every stakeholder a sense of ownership and a sense of belonging. I believe we need that.
“So, my plea to you is that once you have become the state chairman, you are not at liberty to be the agent of any of the aspirants whether for House of Assembly, House of Representatives, Senate or Governorship.”