THE presidential candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Bola Tinubu, on Tuesday, said President Muhammadu Buhari’s expected hard work for his bid in Saturday’s poll would benefit the country.
Tinubu made the declaration during a rally held at Teslim Balogun Stadium, Surulere in Lagos State, serving as the grand finale of the APC presidential campaign.
Addressing Buhari, the former Lagos governor said, “Mr President, I have so much to say but I’ve kept you for too long and it’s not today. But I assure, as you work hard for me, I’ll work hard for Nigeria.
“As you give Nigerians the hope to renew their faith in their country, I will sustain that hope.
“Those who look helpless today will be helpful in this coutnry. All the agenda set in our programme – Renewed Hope manifesto – will be pursued diligently, vigorously, with all our energy.”
Expressing appreciation to the President, Tinubu said the former had set the country’s feet on the path to the future, to achieve greatness because, according to him, it is desirable for Nigeria to be great.
“You said, for anybody to succeed you, he or she must work hard, must follow the law, that the election must be very transparent and that your party will be a shining example like a sun shining on the mountain,” the APC candidate said.
According to him, Buhari followed “the procedure” and encouraged “all of us”.
He added that when the June 6, 2022 presidential primary held, stakeholders waited “anxiously” and he emerged victorious.
“You didn’t ask them to reverse it, based upon my religion. You didn’t ask them to alter it, based upon my tribe. You didn’t ask us to change it, because I was not from your village in Daura. You celebrated [and] said to me, ‘Congratulations’,” Tinubu said.
The former governor shed light on the decision of who would be his running mate.
“I came to you to nominate for me – just exactly as I did to you in 2015 – a vice president,” Tinubu said. “But instead of giving me the same coin, you said no, you know better, you experienced better.”
Attributing the country’s trajectory to Buhari’s “courage” and “confidence”, the APC candidate said the President’s leadership, vision, and determination is for growth and independence of mind.
“You encouraged me and after that, I announced to you [I’ve] made my choice. I chose one of those one of those most known, most knowledgeable, very close individual and independent in thought, attitude, capacity and knowledgability.”
In his address to the teeming supporters at Teslim Balogun Stadium, Tinubu thanked them and charged them to exercise their franchise, assuring them of a celebration in his Bourdillon home.
“I have to thank you, the majority of you, in Yoruba language: Ese, mo dupe lowo yin (thank you, I’m grateful to you). Oju ooni ti yin (You won’t be disappointed). From Ojuelegba de Ikeja, Somolu, Bariga, Alimosho, Bourdillon,” he said.
“Do you want me to become president?” he asked, to which the crowd chorused in the affirmative.
“I have reminded you that we’ll celebrate in Bourdillon,” he told the supporters. “If you people don’t elect me, there won’t be a celebration.
“I beg you in the name of God, cast your votes, take your younger ones along, remind your mothers. Please, come out to vote. Even if you have money or you don’t have money, come out.”