Ayodele Olalere
As the All Progressives Congress presidential primaries draw closer, former governor of Lagos State and leader of the All Progressive Congress (APC), Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, chances of clinching the party’s presidential ticket is getting brighter.
Recent endorsement of his candidacy by party faithful in Kano, Kaduna, Katsina, Niger, Adamawa, and other parts of the north-east and north-west was an indication that the leader was respected and trusted by the delegates.
It is recalled that Tinubu, during his visit to Kaduna, Katsina, Niger, Adamawa and other parts of the north, had expressed readiness to step into the shoes of President Muhammadu Buhari, adding his track record as former governor of Lagos State speaks for him.
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A reliable source in Katsina, who pleaded anonymity explained that some APC caucus members are currently evaluating all aspirants’ track records in terms of their commitment to democracy, APC, tolerance and achievements.
“I can tell you authoritatively that we are seriously considering Asiwaju because of his track record. He is truly a detribalised Nigerian who has remained consistent with democracy and the rule of law over three decades. Several Nigerians have benefited from his generosity and he is not biased in dealing with people irrespective of their tribe, religion, and other differences. A peep into Tinubu’s family, political dynasty and many of those who have become important figures in Nigeria today says it all. ”
It is recalled that Tinubu, during his visit to Kaduna, Katsina, Niger, Adamawa and other parts of the north, had expressed readiness to step into the shoes of President Muhammadu Buhari, adding his track record as former governor of Lagos State speaks for him.
He told all the delegates in the states he visited that he has the experience to turn around the situation of the country, especially in the economic and security sectors, to ensure that Nigerians benefit from its resources.
“Anybody can run, but not everybody can become President. You have to have the track record, experience, vision, training, and developmental programme to change a nation from poverty to prosperity. I’ve got it all; I’m different from them. They’re candidates, they’re aspirants, but I’m an aspirant,” he said.
Speaking on the desires of the northern delegates to support Tinubu’s aspiration, Hon. Haliru Shetimma, a member of the Kaduna APC delegate, said that Kaduna delegates have made up their mind to go with a trusted leader among presidential aspirants.
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He said: “The former Lagos state governor is not one of those emergency leaders who suddenly realized the need to become Nigerian president. For us in Kaduna and other states, we are standing on Asiwaju’s mandate. He knows the way. We are following the development in Lagos, where non-Yoruba are becoming members of the state cabinet and lawmakers. That is the kind of leader we want,” he said.
While responding to Asiwaju during his visit to the state, Governor Nasir el-Rufai ufai also thanked Tinubu for the visit and also for remembering Kaduna during its trying moments and for his generosity.
“You have spoken to our people, they appear convinced, and when the people of Kaduna give their words sir, you can be rest assured of our support.
Governor Masari, who also commended the former governor, noted that the current security challenges in the state started with cattle rustling, which he described as “community banditry“.
During Asiwaju’s visit to his state, the Niger State Governor, Abubakar Sani Bello threw a question to the delegates whether they were in support of Tinubu’s candidate and the response was overwhelming.
It would be recalled that President Muhammadu Buhari had promised to ensure that every aspirant will be given a level playing ground in the forthcoming APC presidential primary taking place at the Eagle Square Abuja.