"Why I asked my supporters in Imo to vote whosoever they want " - Buhari

- President Buhari has explained why he asked his supporters at Imo rally to vote candidates of their choice

- Speaking through his media aide, Garba Shehu, Buhari said he made the statement because the crowd at the rally cut across other political parties

- The president dismissed insinuations that he did not show full support for the APC while campaigning in Imo state

President Muhammadu Buhari on Tuesday, January 29, told members of the Imo state chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) to vote for the candidate of their choice  in the state in the forthcoming general elections.

The president’s statement, however, contradicted that of the Adams Oshiomhole, Oshiomhole who had mandated APC supporters to vote for Senator Hope Uzodinma, the APC governorship candidate in the state.

He said: “You can vote for whosoever you want, do not allow intra or inter-party affairs stop you from voting for the candidate of your choice.”

The Imo state governor, Rochas Okorocha is supporting Uche Nwosu, his former chief of staff and son-in-law, who defected to the Action Alliance (AA) and emerged the party’s governorship candidate after losing the APC ticket to Uzodinma in controversial circumstances, while Oshiomhole is backing Uzodinma.

The president’s statement generated some controversy as many expected him to ask the supporters at the rally to vote for Uzodinma.

President Buhari has, however, explained the reason behind his statement. Presidential spokesperson, Garba Shehu, told journalists that the president stated so, “because the crowd at the rally cut across other political parties,” Daily Trust reports.

The presidential aide dismissed insinuations that President Buhari did not show full support for the APC while campaigning in Imo state.

He said: “The massive crowd that gathered to welcome President Buhari in Imo state was made up of not only supporters of the APC in the state, but also supporters of other parties who are united by their love for the president and their desire to see him re-elected, despite the local candidates they support.”

Shehu further explained that President Buhari’s understanding of the nature of the mixed crowd was the reason why he did not only seek for the support for the APC during the campaign but also encouraged the supports to vote candidates of their choice.

Meanwhile, Amebofeedsblog earlier reported that a faction of the Yoruba socio-cultural group, Afenifere, endorsed Buhari and Osinbajo  for a second term.

This is coming a few days after the Ohaneze Ndigbo endorsed Atiku Abubakar of the Peoples Democratic Party for presidency.

The Afenifere's endorsement came at a meeting in Ibadan, Oyo state on Tuesday, January 29. The Yoruba group led by Ayo Fasanmi said it endorsed Buhari because he has done well.