President Muhammadu Buhari claims opposition parties overconfidently lost the February 25 presidential poll.
Garba Shehu, the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity, said Buhari addressed at his State House home on Thursday the Progressive Governors Forum, chaired by Kebbi State Governor Abubakar Atiku Bagudu.
Buhari said: “They were already promising their foreign donors they would destroy the APC. We worked hard and won. Overconfidence hurts the opposition more than anybody else, and they struggle to convince outside supporters why they cannot overcome us.
They lost due to overconfidence, complacency, and poor tactics. It exacerbated camp issues. Why weren’t we removed?
In response to Governor Bagudu, the forum leader, President Buhari, remarked, “An important reason I congratulate Asiwaju on winning is that the opposition acquired backing and false optimism from outside and went on to create the idea that they will win, that they will beat us. Who could be wronger?”
The President urged Progressive Governors to cooperate and discuss concerns.
Keep fixing issues. Discuss them honestly. “This is the finest way to survive politically in Nigeria,” stated the President. “You (governors) [should] establish a programme to meet frequently and to discuss issues and how to preserve the party nationwide.”
President Buhari said he would retire in Daura for six months before going to Kaduna.
He praised Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai for building infrastructure to simplify life for state residents and him in retirement.
He praised Kano State Governor.
Gov. Bagudu stated the visit was to wish the President “Happy Sallah” and thank him for his party and national leadership.
Congrats, your party won the presidency, Senate majority, and House majority. Your help made these accomplishments possible,” he stated.
Bagudu said, “We won by sheer hard effort, the same thing you have always pushed us to accomplish.” Thank you.”
