By Lukman Olabiyi
The All Progressives Congress, APC, presidential candidate, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, yesterday, hit the People’s Democratic Party’s (PDP) candidate, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar again, saying that his supporters are ready to end the political sojourn of the ex-vice president in 2023 with their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs).
He said that no matter the antics of his opponents, none of them could kill him.
Tinubu who made the remarks, while addressing his supporters during the Lagos APC presidential rally at the Teslim Balogun Stadium, Surulere organized by the party in the state yesterday, was received by a large crowd.
Tinubu said: “I’m indeed very grateful to God Almighty, to all of you people, to the members of Buhari’s cabinet. I thank you from the bottom of my heart.”
He also appreciated Governor Sanwo-Olu for putting together a successful rally, saying, “I don’t think anything is missing here. We will continue to progress in good governance. You will not be forgotten in healthcare, education.”
While referring to the opposition candidates, Tinubu said: “This election will be about brooms revolution. You can’t kill me as you did kill others.
“I know one man, Atiku, he has been contesting since 1999. He ran under PDP, under AC, we gave him the platform, but they repaid us with evils. Tell him to go and sit at home. Use your PVC to retire him this time around in 2023.”
Tinubu added that PDP ruled for 16 years without any meaningful impact, adding that “all the APC governors have decided to support me. We shall move together to the Villa.”
APC loyalists started arriving at the venue of the rally as early as 9:00a.m before the arrival of Tinubu who came with his running mate, Kashim Shettima and others around 1:00p.m.
Also present at the rally were the host, Lagos State governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu; the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Femi Gbajabiamila; Governors of Kwara, Abdulrahman Abdulrazak; Kebbi, Atiku Bagudu; Kaduna, Nasir el-Rufai; and Ogun, Dapo Abiodun.
Others are: Governors of Kogi, Yahya Bello; Ekiti, Biodun Oyebanji; Kano, Abdullahi Ganduje; and Jigawa, Abubakar Badaru.
Also present were the Director General of PCC and Plateau Governor, Simon Lalong; APC National Chairman, Abdullahi Adamu; ex-Governors of Lagos, Babatunde Fashola; Ogun, Olusegun Osoba; Kayode Fayemi, among others.
Speaking at the rally, APC chairman, Adamu said: “Lagos has spoken and you have spoken well, you have come out en masse to show support.
“I’m appealing to you that it’s not over until it’s over. It’s not done until it’s done. APC has chosen good candidate, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu. He is the president in waiting.”
Gbajabiamila said: “We have come to energize the base. As you are energized, go out there to energize the spring voters. Everyone here is ‘Batified’. Tinubu is the greatest politician in modern day Nigerian politics.
“For those who doubt his age, tell them to go and meet his mother in the grave. He is the most educated candidate among the presidential candidates.
“I want to tell our Southeast and South-south brothers, it is time to invest in Tinubu.”
The Chairman Progressives Governors, Bagudu said: “I stand here on behalf of all the APC governors, I thank Lagosians for putting their trust in Asiwaju. Our party believes in Asiwaju.”
He explained that just as the country is currently challenged, Tinubu would transform Nigeria as he did when he emerged as the Lagos governor in 1999.
PCC DG, Lalong stated: “As we are coming, I didn’t only see human beings, I saw fishes jumping inside water to celebrate Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu. This is the most suitable person that can succeed Buhari in 2023.
“It is very clear that Nigerians have decided to vote for Tinubu and Shettima. I know charity begins at home. I know he has the capacity and charisma to serve Nigerians. I plead with Lagosians to vote for him. Some candidates will come and give you false statistics. Buhari has told me to inform you that you should remain focus.”
In his welcome address, Sanwo-Olu said: “I thank you for standing with the architect of modern Lagos, Asiwaju Tinubu. He is the champion that can bring cohesion of the nation. He is the right man for the right job.
“I have the privilege of working with him. He is a man that has fountain of knowledge. Let me welcome you to the city that is the home to everybody.”
