The presidential candidate of the All Progressives Congress, Bola Tinubu, on Monday met with some governors elected on the platform of the ruling party.
Tinubu met with the governors at his residence in Lagos to strategise ahead 2023 general election.
The vice presidential candidate of the ruling party, Kassim Shettima was also in attendance during the meeting.
The Governor of Kebbi State, Atiku Bagudu, Zamfara State Governor, Bello Matawalle, Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, Jigawa State Governor, Mohammed Badaru Abubakar, Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, the Governor of Kano State, Abdullahi Ganduje were among the APC governors in attendance at the meeting.
At the time of filing this report, the details of the meeting were not disclosed.
The APC presidential candidate is hoping to take over from President Muhammadu Buhari at the end of his Tenure in 2023.
Tinubu would be contesting against the presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, Atiku Abubakar, the flagbearer of the Labour Party, Peter Obi, the candidate of the New Nigeria Peoples Party, Rabiu Kwankwaso and other candidates in 2023.
Fatima, daughter of the 2023 APC vice presidential candidate and former Governor of the state, Senator Kashim Shettima, married Sadiq Ibrahim Bunu, son of former FCT Minister Ibrahim Bunu, in a grand ceremony in Borno on Saturday.
President Muhammadu Buhari was represented by the Chief of Staff to the President (COS), Professor Ibrahim Gambari.
The wedding Fatiha took place at the palace of Shehu of Borno, His Eminence, Alhaji Abubakar Ibn Garbai Umar El Kanemi.
The former governor of Bauchi State and former PDP National Chairman, Alhaji Adamu Mu’azu, stood in as the father of the groom, Architect Ibrahim Bunu, while Governor Babagana Umara Zulum of Borno State stood in as the father of the bride, Senator Shettima, with a dowry of 12 gold coins.
The wedding Fatiha was administered by the Chief Imam Idaini of Borno, Shiekh Shettima Mamman Sale.
Other dignataries at the event were the Senate President, Ahmed Lawan; the National Security Adviser, General Babagana Monguno (Rted) and 2023 APC presidential candidate, Senator Bola Tinubu.
Others are business moguls, Alhaji Aliko Dangote, Alhaji Mohammed Idimi, the President, Idimi Group of Companies, and Chairman Oriental Energy Resources Ltd, and Alhaji Dahiru Mangal, the Chairman, Max Air limited.
Rev. Okoh was elected on Monday to succeed the highly respected Rev. Samson Olusupo Ayokunle, upon completion of his tenure as head of CAN.
Asíwájú Tinubu noted that the new CAN leader who is the General Superintendent of Christ Holy Church is a worthy successor to Rev. Ayokunle whose tenure as CAN president was one characterized by exceptional commitment, principle and wisdom.
Asiwaju Tinubu said: “I congratulate Rev. Okoh on his election as the new president of CAN. Noting that Rev. Okoh had truly distinguished himself as the deputy to Rev. Ayokunle.:
The APC leader declared that Nigeria can only expect nothing but inspired and enlightened leadership from Rev. Okoh.
“CAN is one of the most important organizations in the nation. Not only does it seek the betterment of the Christian community in Nigeria, its moral force and standing benefit all Nigerians as we seek to establish a just and compassionate society where people of all faiths and beliefs live and work together in peace and harmony.
“As a nation, we are in a critical moment where misguided and terrible actors attempt to destroy social harmony and reign violence on us all. These awful forces seek to stoke religious and ethnic divisions in hope of pitting Nigerian brother against Nigerian brother. Decent and good Nigerians of all faiths must ally again such designs. While we may not agree on everything, all well-meaning Nigerians agree that we must live in peace, must respect and honor our diversity and eschew violence and hatred.
“We are grateful that CAN as an organization embodies these and other principles that reflect the values and virtues of Christ. We are glad that the new President of CAN, Rev. Okoh, is a humane and kind soul who has dedicated his life to the betterment of his fellow man and is a person who will work with leaders of other faiths and beliefs to anneal the bonds of unity, inter-religious understanding and tolerance while advocating for the benefits of democratic good governance for all Nigerians regardless of creed or belief systems.
“As long as we stand forthright and adhere to these tenets, Nigeria will defeat the plans of those who seek to place discord and hatred at our door.
As Rev. Okoh assumes the mantle of leadership, it is my hope and prayer that his tenure brightens every corner of our country and may he be a shining light to all.”
Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, the presidential candidate of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), Bola Ahmed Tinubu, are currently in Osogbo, the Osun State capital for the mega rally of the ruling party ahead of Saturday¡¯s governorship election.
APC governors and other party leaders are in the state to campaign for Governor Gboyega Oyetola¡¯s reelection.
The rally is scheduled to hold at the Osogbo Township Stadium.
In a statement on Monday, the Grand Rally Reception Planning Committee, Funke Egbemode, said the rally was not just a gathering of party faithful, but also of lovers of democracy and good governance.
The statement reads in part: ¡°Leaders and chieftains of the APC, including the Vice-President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Prof Yemi Osinbajo, members of the central working committee, national campaign council, APC governors and other national and regional structures of the party are expected at the rally in support of Mr Adegboyega Oyetola, the party¡¯s candidate in the Osun governorship election.
¡°We trust that members of the APC will show the formidable strength and decorum the party is known for, even as we implore all residents and citizens of Osun to come out en-masse and in public acclamation of their overwhelming support for the APC candidate.¡±
Oyetola will on Saturday battle Senator Ademola Adeleke of the Peoples Democratic Party and Hon. Yusuf Lasun of Labour Party and others in the election.
A presidential aspirant of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, has disowned a viral text message alleging that he plans to pick a fellow Muslim as his running mate if he emerges as the ruling party’s 2023 presidential candidate.
Tinubu said the text message is being circulated to delegates while the APC presidential primary election is ongoing.
According o him, the ‘fake’ text message was fashioned by “undemocratic elements” whom he said are already intimidated by his “imminent victory” at the poll.
A statement issued by his media office on Tuesday midnight reads: “We have been informed of a text message going round APC delegates at Eagle Square, Abuja purportedly from Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, claiming that with his imminent victory at the APC Presidential Primary and emergence as the party’s presidential candidate, the APC leader has now decided on a Muslim-Muslim ticket.
“This is nothing but a lie. It has no basis whatsoever. We enjoin the distinguished delegates to ignore this completely.
“The fake text message is a ploy by some undemocratic elements to confuse and hoodwink delegates sensing that Asíwájú Tinubu is comfortably coasting home to victory.
“Truth is Asíwájú is destined for victory and no one can scuttle this through their shameful tactics.
“Asíwájú is not known to jumping guns. He will deal with all important matters pertaining to his presidential pair at the appropriate time, after his victory has been fully established by the distinguished delegates.”
At least seven aspirants have so far stepped down and backed Tinubu to pick the APC presidential ticket.
No fewer than fourteen governors are also said to be rooting for the Tinubu for the 2023 presidency.
THE WHISTLER, however, reported earlier that Vice President Yemi Osinbajo refused to imitate other southern leaders who have withdrawn from the race to support his former boss and political godfather.
Osinbajo had told delegates at the Eagle Square venue of the presidential primary that “You cannot wish this country well and vote for someone you don’t believe in.”
Abdulmumin Jibrin, Director-General of the Bola Tinubu Support Groups Management Council, has dumped the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) ahead of the 2023 presidential election.
Jibrin’s exit from the APC came exactly one month after he warned that the party may invite doom upon itself if it does not give its 2023 presidential ticket to an aspirant with mass appeal.
“I have done my best for APC. Its time to move on. I will announce my new political party within the next 24 hours Insha Allah. I will make a formal statement in due course,” he announced in a tweet on Saturday.
THE WHISTLER reports that the move may be an early indication that the APC national leader, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, may also dump the ruling party in the event that he does not emerge as its presidential candidate in the forthcoming primary election.
This website earlier reported that Jibrin warned that how the ruling APC comports itself during its forthcoming primary election will determine whether the party will stand or crumble ahead of the general elections.
“I have said it repeatedly how the APC manages its upcoming primaries at every level (states and national) including Presidential will determine [the] survival of the party.
“Anything short of allowing the choice of the people to prevail in the primaries will spell DOOM for the party!” Jibrin had warned in April.
Special Tawaf: Tinubu Thanks Obasa, Wants More Prayers For Nigeria
– Urges Nigerians to pray for Buhari, other leaders
– Seeks Allah’s intervention in Nigeria’s challenges
National Leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and top presidential aspirant on the party’s platform, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, has thanked the Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Mudashiru Obasa, for the special Tawaf held for him and in favour of his ambition in Mecca.
Tinubu also commended the Lagos State House of Assembly for the successes so far recorded under the leadership of Dr. Obasa just as he appreciated the members of the House who took part in the Tawaf.
The special Tawaf held on Thursday around Kaabah at the centre of Islam’s most important mosque, the Masjid al-Haram in Mecca, Saudi Arabia.
While expressing gratitude to the participants, Tinubu, a former Governor of Lagos, urged Nigerians to use the opportunity to pray for a better Nigeria.
He encouraged the citizens to pray for President Muhammadu Buhari and other leaders of the country as they make efforts to resolve the country’s challenges.
“As Muslim faithful continue their fasting and supplications to Allah in this Holy month of Ramadan, I express my gratitude to the Lagos State House of Assembly for their decision to organise a special Tawaf (circumambulation of Holy Kaabah) and prayer session for me today (Thursday) in Mecca.
“I’m most honoured by this gesture purposed to be in furtherance of similar prayers seeking God’s blessings for my aspiration to lead our country from 2023.
“However, while thanking Speaker Mudasiru Obasa and all members of the Lagos State House of Assembly for this important decision, I enjoin the Speaker and his colleagues to go beyond my ambition and pray for Nigeria as well.
“I urge them to intercede on behalf of the nation and beseech Almighty Allah for an end to the challenges besieging our country.
“I urge them to pray for President Muhammadu Buhari and his administration in their efforts to surmount these challenges,” he appealed.
He further urged for prayers to Allah to touch the hearts of bandits and criminal elements in the country so that they toe the path of goodness in the blessed month of Ramadan.
“I also enjoin everyone organising or holding similar prayers either for themselves or for some particular causes to also remember to pray for our country in this sacred month,” he said.
The Tawaf was attended by political and business leaders as well as Islamic schorlars.
2023: Tinubu Rallies APC Speakers, Ex-Legislators Ahead of Primary Election
– Says Nigeria Is In Need Of Drastic Solutions To Challenges
+ Mentions Qualities Needed By Nigeria’s Next President
The National Leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, has declared that Nigeria needs a courageous leader to urgently meet the desire of citizens for drastic solutions to the challenges facing the country.
Tinubu also described himself as the most qualified for the position of President in 2023 adding that his aspiration is for a nation that would not be an index of poverty.
The presidential aspirant said this at a one-day parley held for serving Speakers and former Speakers and deputies held in Lagos with the theme: The Legislature, Changing Times and Nigeria’s Democratic Journey.
“We have the brilliance, the resources, the focus. We don’t just know how to run the race and take care of the gear of progress,” Tinubu said at the event hosted by the Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Mudashiru Obasa.
Tinubu further described himself as brilliant, courageous and sound enough to know the solutions to Nigeria’s problems adding: “Just as I need Nigeria, Nigeria needs me.”
Noting his can-do attitude, he recalled how he changed the fortunes of Lagos when he became governor of the State at a time of its challenge.
“In the face of tyranny, I have survived, struggled for democracy, I have endured the bush path, lived without a family, spent resources.
“To make Nigeria one is a task and who could do it? I am one. I am the first governor to grant autonomy to the House of Assembly. I survived non-allocation of local government funds. We didn’t suffer, we didn’t retrench. We made progress out of adversity.
“I inherited N600m as Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) with zero allocation from Federal Accounte Allocation Committee (FAAC). But we survived and today, Lagos is number one economy.
“That is why I am begging you to do me a favour so that I can do Nigeria a favour.
“It is a very challenging time for us in the country and we have to get it right. We need to intellectually interogate ourselves.
“I am the first governor to bring Independent Power Project (IPP) to Nigeria. It was 300 megawatts. If they had followed my advice then, Nigeria will not be facing epileptic power supplies,” he said recalling how he brought major investors to Nigeria and promising that he is ready to do it again.
Tinubu also said he believed in religious tolerance and women’s participation in politics.
Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, who was a guest of honour at the parley, described Tinubu as his mentor and benefactor.
He also urged the legislators to key into the desire to make Nigeria a better country with Tinubu as President.
Speaking with his colleagues, Dr. Obasa described Tinubu as a true democrat.
“I am standing here before you because Asiwaju is a talent hunter. He is someone that would support you, raise you to a point of leadership and give you room to excel.
“I can confirm that he is the brain behind the legislative autonomy that we enjoy today at the Lagos State House of Assembly and he did this far before the clamour for it by other states.
“So we can see that he is a person that will support the legislative arm of government to remain strong. Dear colleagues, let us all stand with him and support him,” he said.
The Vice President, Yemi Osinbajo has asked Nigerians to ignore one Olugbenga Olaoye, Co-Convener, ‘Osinbajo Think Thank’ over his comments during an interview.
Olugbenga while reacting to the presidential ambition of the national leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Bola Tinubu in an interview with Arise TV said Nigerians do not want another sick president who would be embarking on foreign medical trips.
He said Nigeria needs a capable person like the Vice President who formally declared on Monday to run for the top political office in the 2023 elections.
Osinbajo while reacting to the comment through his spokesman, Laolu Akande, said Olugbenga does not represent the office of the VP and should be ignored.
In a tweet on his official Twitter page, Akande claimed that he is not aware of the Osinbajo Think Tank group
The tweet reads, “Indeed this gentleman does not represent the VP nor the Office. His views are completely & totally his own. This particular opinion he has expressed on TV is deplorable and in bad taste. I am not even aware of the so-called Osinbajo Think Tank he purports to represent. Pls IGNORE”
Tinubu cancels 70th birthday colloquium to honour Kaduna train victims
All Progressives Congress National Leader, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, on Tuesday, cancelled his 13th Birthday Colloquium to honour the victims of Kaduna train attack.
He made the announcement at Eko Hotels in Lagos, the venue of the 13th Bola Ahmed Tinubu Colloquium with the theme, ‘Pivoting Nigeria Into The New Order’.
According to him, the attack was a “national tragedy” and over 60 persons lost their lives to the terror.
He said, “Today is supposed to be a very joyful 70th birthday of mine living on earth. I give thanks to God Almighty for being able to survive to this age…
“I have just been informed of a very sad incident in our country, very sad indeed, that over 60 people and many more were killed and bombed on a train between Kaduna and Abuja just last night. That is a very serious incident about the security of lives in this country and it calls for a very serious sober reflection.
“For me to be here celebrating, dancing and enjoying myself doesn’t show enough concern of a statesman and a senior citizen of this country.
“This event should not be holding. I have consulted with the people you see around me here and they’ve agreed with me and being a very highly committed democrat, I have given myself to their suggestion that they agreed that this event be cancelled.”
The APC leader, alongside hundreds of others at the event, observed one-minute silence for the lives lost in the spirit of “national tragedy and concern”.
Tinubu urged the two clergies at the event to pray for the soul of the departed and for relief for their bereaved family members.
Terrorists had attacked the Abuja-Kaduna train on Monday night with hundreds of passengers on board.
