From Femi Folaranmi, Yenagoa
The All Progressives Congress (APC), Bayelsa State chapter, has joined Nigerians in mourning former President Muhammadu Buhari, declaring that the late president changed the course of politics in Nigeria.
The publicity secretary of the party, Doifie Buokoribo, noted that in a world where politics is often defined by elitism and standoffishness, the late President Muhammadu Buhari stood out as a unique example of a statesman and influencer who was popular with the masses and respected by the elite.
The statement reads in part: “He was a leader who embodied the values of courage, discipline, integrity, and compassion. Buhari’s commitment to duty and the nation was unwavering, both as a soldier and a politician. He led with a strong sense of responsibility, which prioritised the well-being of the people and the security of the nation.
“He brought to politics a strategic mindset that combined the discipline and nerve of a soldier and the diplomacy of a politician. He determinedly went for the presidency of his country, braving all odds, until victory came his way in 2015.
“It was a sweet victory, one that changed the course of politics in the country, being the first time that an incumbent president would lose to the opposition.
“Buhari contested for the presidency a consecutive four times, in 2003, 2007, 2011, and 2015. He stayed the course until some day came in 2015, when he finally met his goal.”
According to the APC State Publicity Secretary in Bayelsa, “Buhari’s quiet strength and unshakeable resolve endeared him to many across social classes. He was a friend of the poor and a rallying point for the elite.”
