Buhari a true democrat – Babangida Aliyu

President Muhammadu Buhari has exhibited the characteristics of a true democrat when he hosted the leadership of the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) recently, former governor of Niger State, Dr. Muazu Babangida Aliyu, has said.

Speaking while playing host to members of the Correspondents Chapel of the Nigeria Union of Journalists in his residence in Minna at the weekend, the former governor said the president’s gesture has gone a long way to further douse tension in the country.

“I am happy with President Buhari for his meeting with opposition. We need a vibrant and strong opposition and the meeting with PDP showed that President Buhari means well for the growth of democracy”, Dr. Mauzu stated, adding that the president’s action would encourage healthy rivalry among contending political parties.

He said the PDP and its teeming members were reassured by the president’s gesture that it could compete in future elections without fear of being muzzled by the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) administration.

He said what was required for the party to bounce back is to put its house in order ahead of 2019 elections, adding that the recent Supreme Court verdict on the leadership tussle that almost brought the party on its knees, has further boosted its chances in future elections.