Former Head of State Gen. Muhammadu Buhari on Tuesday called on his supporters to stay focused, shun insult and rudeness to any aspirant on his behalf.
The 71-year-old retired military officer gave the advice in Abuja while addressing his 66 support groups that came under one umbrella, Buhari Support Centre.
According to him, whoever engages in any of the acts will be assumed to be working for the enemy.
“I must warn all my supporters, volunteers and other well-wishers within the party or even out of it, not to insult or be rude to any other aspirant or party leader on my behalf.
“My supporters must not engage in any kind of behaviour or conduct that will tarnish the image of any leader or promote division and rancour within the ranks of the party.
“Whoever does that should know that he or she is working for the enemy,” Buhari said.
The former leader further urged his supporters to be vigilant during and after elections and avoid taking laws into their hands.
“In particular, you must learn to be vigilant especially just before, during and immediately after elections, whether elections are rigged or not,” he said.
According to him, this is necessary so that sponsored hoodlums do not have chance to commit illegalities and in the end, members of the group are blamed.
“Not only must you not take the law into your hands no matter the level of provocation, you must be able to expose those planning to do so before the act,” he said.
He said he would soon declare his presidential ambition on the platform of the APC, adding that party interest should be put above self-interest.
He also said that for their support to be more meaningful, it must go beyond him to APC and candidates the party presented because its decision was ultimate.
“You must at all times remember that the APC is a party with several qualified people for each and all the positions that will be contested, including that of the president.
“It is the primaries that will determine who will eventually represent the party and in which capacity.
“If I get the nomination, I will expect you to redouble your effort and commitment until we clinch the presidency.
“In the event that it happens to be one of the other aspirants who win, I will expect you, as good party men, to extend to him your total support.
“We are a united party and united we shall remain because our strength lies in our unity,” Buhari said.
Director-General of the Centre, Umar Dembo, said it was “a department within the Buhari Campaign Organisation where all activities of the groups would be coordinated.”
