President Muhammadu Buhari said Thursday that there was the need for the members of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) across the country to put an end to the current internal wrangling to enable the party retain power in 2023.The President said this in an interview with the Nigeria Television Authority (NTA) monitored in Abuja.He said the opposition can take over power from the APC in the 2023 general elections if the party fails to agree on issues within the stipulated timeframe.“We have a timeframe, we have to work because the four-year tenure is constitutional. It cannot be interfered by anybody. So, if the party couldn’t agree, then the opposition can take over. “What did the PDP do? They said the opposition could not come together, but when ACN, ANPP, CPC, APGA came together, before PDP realised it, they were off, they are still off, they can see it,” he said.The President said he does not expect Nigerians to appreciate him when he leaves office, saying he has done his best regardless of how he would be viewed. “Yes, because, look, as you know I have been a governor. I have been a minister and I’m in my second term as President. So, I have gone through the system. And really, what else can I do with this country? “I have given my best and I hope after I leave Nigerians will reflect and at least not show appreciation. I’m not expecting any appreciation.“But what I’m expecting is for Nigerians to say yes, this man has done his best. This is the most I’m expecting from Nigerians. But it’s no joke. I’m telling you. “Look at the problem we’re having in the southeast now. How many police stations were taken over, weapons missing. We closed the border with Benin, we closed the border with Niger.“But we had to accept the reality that the weapons are coming from our own armories, police stations have been attacked and so on. So, the main problem is, I hope, i will leave a more secure Nigeria than what it is now,” he said.The President also expressed optimism that the insecurity in the country can be resolved before he leaves office, stressing that security forces are working hard on it just as more equipment and ammunition are being procured. “Yes, the government is capable and is going to do it because members of the security, the armed forces and others, they are all security it depends on one Nigeria. “So, no matter, when people are selfish, is their self first. So, even for their own selves, they better stabilize Nigeria and I believe they will do it. “I know we’re short on resources. For example, dealing with the militants, if people bother to reflect on how we found the north-east and south-south and how much progress we have made and acquiring some helicopters, aircraft, their maintenance, their ammunition, armored cars, you know to counter effectively, the bandits. They cost money and they cost time for training and adaptation,” he said.The President also admitted that the current long hours he spends working is telling on him because of his age, saying that he looks forward to the end of his tenure in 17 months to join his colleagues in retirement. Asked how he felt clocking 79 recently, the President said: “Yes, I think COVID-19 has come to my rescue in the sense that the amount of people that you need to see you, can’t see you so that is losing no time. “And about my age, yes, I see my colleagues, they are now resting and I assure you that I’m looking forward to the next 17 months when I too would have to be less busy. “The age is telling on me, working now for 6,7,8 hours a day flight in the office is no joke. Questions of executive council memos from as many states as possible to be considered virtually every week. So, really it is a lot of hard work, but I asked for it and I cannot complain.”
