Governor Yahaya Bello of Kogi and presidential aspirant of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has met with President Muhammadu Buhari and disassociated himself from the party’s consensus plan.

The governor, who spoke to State House correspondents after the closed-door meeting on Tuesday, insisted he would be contesting the party’s presidential primary as he remains the candidate to win the election.

“I am a free citizen and a qualified member of the party. I am contesting.

“I bought the form, was cleared to participate in the primary election, and there is no reason for me to be excluded from the ballot,” he said. “If they do so, then that is a recipe for bigger trouble for the party.”

Mr Bello also stated that he was not part of the decision on the issue of power shift to the south as announced by 13 out of the 14 APC northern governors.

“However, I don’t think it is a decision of the party. It is a decision of a few elites who may decide to use their position to oppress the so-called minority.

“So, nobody consulted me over the decision that power be shifted to the south, and I would say they were enrolled by a certain interest that wants to be the Vice President at all costs.

“And I continue to oppose the issue of ‘turn by turn’ presidency because the insecurity that is facing us today does not respect that.

“Every part of this country is faced with insecurity and wants prosperity, and we want unity in this country, which is what I stand for.

“Who should be able to solve that problem is what should occupy our minds now, not the rotational presidency,” Mr Bello stated.

The governor also expressed optimism that he would emerge as the party’s flagbearer.

“I strongly believe that getting into that arena today, I will win overwhelmingly if the process and normal regulations are followed, I will emerge victorious,” he said.

(NAN)