The President, Major General Muhammadu Buhari (retd.) on Friday at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, told the stakeholders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) that the unity, security and prosperity of the country are his priority, beyond his days in office as a president.

The stakeholders were led to the meeting by the National Chairman of the party, Senator Abdulahi Adamu.

He expressed delight that the APC was on course to achieving that desire and thanked the delegation “for their kind words on my role in processes leading to the emergence of our candidate, and his running mate, for the Presidential election in February, next year.

The president said, ‘‘I want to thank you all for the roles you played in the build-up, first to our national convention earlier this year, and later, to the primary elections.

‘‘You were all of one mind, wanting the best for the Party, with the candidate emerging in a free and fair manner.

He added “For us all, the cohesion and unity of the party was the first priority, and ambition was second. I am glad that you all saw the larger picture, rather than narrow, self-serving interests.’’

President Buhari recounted that when the presidential running mate, Senator Kashim Shettima, was presented to him a couple of days ago, he had said he would reserve his comments till the handover ceremony on May 29, 2023, at the Eagle Square.

“I still maintain that same position,’’ as he, lauded party members for acknowledging the many virtues that qualify the Vice Presidential Candidate for the noble position. Noting that Shettima would not disappoint the Party, and Nigerians at large.

He also commended the Party for resolving to further mobilize more Nigerians, particularly youths, to register, and get their Permanent Voters Cards (PVCs), saying ‘‘It is the way to go,” he said.