Kunle Adelabu
The Presidential candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Asiwaju Ahmed Bola Tinubu has assured Nigerians of renewed hope in the face of challenges that they are confronted with, if elected as the next President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, in the coming Saturday general elections.
Tinubu, who said that the support that he has received throughout the campaign are remarkable, also thanked President Muhammadu Buhari for his support.
He gave the assurance at the grand finale of the nationwide presidential campaign rallies of the APC, at the Teslim Balogun Stadium, Lagos, on Tuesday (yesterday).
It was a massive and impressive way of concluding the campaign that saw the party’s flagbearer touring all the states of the federation as residents and party supporters trooped into streets with various campaign banners, dancing and chanting APC slogans.
Tinubu, who flew into Lagos from Abuja, was received by a tumultuous crowd of residents, and rode in a large motorcade from the airport through the city.
President Buhari, who was also in attendance, raised the hands of Tinubu and Shettima in demonstration of his commitment to the victory of his party at the election.
Tinubu, apparently moved by the massive turnout at the rally, said he heard the message from the electorate “loud and clear”. He expressed his readiness to offer his intellectual ability to lead the country and chart a new future for the youths.
The APC presidential candidate described the level of support he received throughout the electioneering “as extremely remarkable”, pledging to deploy his physical and mental energy to work out his vision for Nigeria and renew the citizens’ hope.
“I am coming to give Nigerians renewed hope, because there is hope in the country. The level of support I have received throughout the campaign is extremely remarkable. I assure you all that, as you work hard for my victory, I will work hard for Nigeria”, APC Presidential candidate said.
“I will sustain that hope by prioritising your wellbeing at all times. Those who are feeling helpless today will have their expectations revalidated. All the agenda set out in our manifesto will be pursued vigorously with all our energy.”
Explaining the reason behind his choice of his running mate, Tinubu said Sen. Kashim Shettima stood out among the list of qualified party members that he considered. Adding that, he possesses knowledge, attitude and capacity.
The APC presidential candidate expressed gratitude to Buhari for allowing internal democracy within the party and freedom to choose the party’s flag bearer.
“Mr. President, thank you in a million time. You set our feet on the path to the future, to work and achieve greatness because it is desirable for Nigeria to be great”, he said.
“You said for anyone to succeed you, he or she must work and follow the guidelines for nomination and that the primaries must be very transparent. You said our party will be a shining example like dew on the mountain.”
The host Governor, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu, speaking, said that the sight of a massive crowd that accompanied APC presidential candidate’s motorcade to the stadium further demonstrated that Lagos remained a stronghold of the progressives, thanking Lagosians for supporting and keeping faith with the party.
Sanwo-Olu said that Tinubu has not only traversed the country to canvass for the support of all Nigerians, the Governor added that the candidate has shown his commitment to lead the country on a new path to peace, stability and prosperity.
“From Ikeja down to this rally, we witnessed overwhelming show of support and love for Asiwaju on the streets, which is an acknowledgment of the love Lagos people have for the City Boy (Tinubu). Thank you Lagosians for believing in the progressives party and for rising to receive our leader”, he said.
“On Saturday, we have another opportunity to consolidate the support which you have shown our party. I urge you all to troop to your polling stations and massively vote for the man who has the capacity to bring the country to another level of development. With your support, I have no doubt APC will be victorious.”
The campaign’s grand finale was attended by all APC Governors, Senate President, Sen. Ahmad Lawan, House of Representatives Speaker, Rt. Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila, APC National Chairman, Sen. Abdullahi Adamu, members of Lagos State Executive Council, party leaders in Lagos and other States in the Southwest.
