Former governor of Lagos State, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu has said he may take a shot at the Presidency only if there is vacancy at Aso Rock.
Speaking with newsmen at the inauguration of Governor Rotimi Akeredolu in Ondo State, on Friday, February 24, 2017, Tinubu said vying for any office in Nigeria is an opportunity to serve the country.
He added there is nothing wrong in aspiring for the office.
“You see, there is nothing wrong with such ambition. It depends on the timing and the environment and what political leadership dictates. I will not brush aside such an aspiration.
“Resilience, determination and clarity of purpose are what one needs. Maybe, as a senator, as a president, you cannot rule it out.
“How can I rule such a thing out, the opportunity to serve my country, but you only do that when there is a vacancy.”
He alluded to Buhari’s several attempts at the presidency before finally winning in 2015.
“It has been historical, even, that Buhari tried first, second, third and fourth time before he got it…”
Speaking about the president’s health condition, Tinubu said Buhari has been honest in disclosing that he needs medical attention while on vacation.
“An honest man disclosed to you that he was going on leave and (will undergo)a medical check-up, he has disclosed that he needed more time.
“He has told you, he has told us honestly that he needed medical attention. What his doctors will discuss after that is subject to experts’ advice.
“He told us that he cannot return now, what else do you want him to do?” Tinubu asked rhetorically.
He advised Nigerians to pray for the president and insisted that the president he met in London, United Kingdom two weeks ago is alive and healthy.
“Only God gives life and can take it. The man that I have seen is well, alive. We should promote welfare, praying for the wellbeing of our leaders.”
He also spoke about the ruling party and insisted that there is no rift whatsoever among leaders of the All Progressives Congress (APC)and accused the media of concocting stories to suggest the contrary.
Tinubu fell out with Akeredolu in the run-up to the Ondo governorship election, last year, but he, in company with party chieftains, attended his inauguration in Akure, last week.
A former senator, Tinubu was governor of Lagos between 1999 and 2007.
