IBB backs Buhari

Former military Head of State, General Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida, has indicated his support for the All Progressives Congress (APC) presidential candidate, Gen. Muhammadu Buhari.

Babangida spoke yesterday in his hilltop residence at Minna while receiving the APC presidential candidate and former Head of State who was at Minna Polo Field as part of his campaign tour of the country.

Babangida stated that contrary to the notion created by the media that they were enemies, they were actually in good terms, adding that both of them fought to keep Nigeria united when they were mates in the Nigeria Army.

He said, "Media men have created this impression that we are fighting each other, but look at us here today; he (Buhari) knows what I mean and I know what he means. We both fought to keep Nigeria one when we were young majors."

He commended the APC for allowing Buhari to emerge as its presidential flag bearer, saying: "All of us will support you in this cause to salvage this country."

While commending Buhari for his perseverance and persistence to offer himself for the service at the highest level, he stated: "You have beaten some of us in proving Gen Douglas Mc Arthur's theory of old soldiers never die but fade away gradually."

According to him, genuine leadership can only emerge when the mandate is secured through free and fair electoral process. He, therefore, called on Nigerians to go out and vote as well as ensure that their votes count.

Buhari had earlier stated that he was in Minna to canvass for votes and that though the former president, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, said he would not leave PDP, he was aware of the support of IBB and Obasanjo for his presidential bid.