Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, the All Progressives Congress (APC) presidential candidate has revealed that he had doubts about securing the party’s presidential ticket due to high-stake intrigues at play days before the convention.
Tinubu made the statement on Sunday, October 30, 2022, in Akure, Ondo State, at the residence of Afenifere Leader, Pa Reuben Fasoranti.
The Quest Times reports that the APC flag bearer paid a visit to the Yoruba socio-cultural group, Afenifere to present his Action Plan.
According to Tinubu, some individuals who were against his aspiration tried to lean on President Buhari to handpick a candidate, but he refused to baulk, ordering that the primary process must be democratic.
He said, “The North proved to me Nigeria can survive its unity, some people wanted President Buhari to announce someone, but the president said no. He insisted the process must go on democratically.
“The president said anyone that would mess up the APC process would see the other side of his eyes, he remained upright and saw to the process to the end.
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“Northern APC Governors resolved that the presidency must go to the South, and especially South-West, Gov. Nasir El-Rufai of Kaduna State, Gov. Abdullahi Ganduje of Kano State and others supported me to the end.
“The battle was tough and at a point, I was in doubt, there were many rumours and I became confused of what to believe,” the statement quoted Tinubu as saying.
Tinubu said he won the APC presidential primary election because the process was clean and transparent, adding that nobody could accuse Buhari of manipulating the process.
“President Buhari said I gave him credibility and I deserved to be President. When I asked him to nominate the Vice-Presidential candidate for me, he said I should pick whoever I want,” Tinubu said.
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He added that this was why he chose a competent man in Sen. Kashim Shettima, who according to him, never lost any election and protected Christians in times of trouble in Borno State as its governor.
Earlier, while welcoming Tinubu and his entourage, General Secretary of Afenifere, Chief Seinde Arogbofa, charged him to be a leader that would unite Nigeria and work for the progress and development of the country.
Afenifere leaders at the meeting include Chief Pius Akinyelure, Prof. Isaac Adewole, Chief Olu Falae, Otunba Gbenga Daniel, Alani Akinrinade, Olu Bajowa, Mr Sola Iji and Dr Kunle Olajide.
Others include the General Secretary of the Yoruba Council of Elders, Sen. Cornelius Adebayo, Sen. Iyiola Omisore, Chief Bisi Akande, Dare Babarinsa and Chief Pius Akinyelure.
The Oyo State Deputy Governor, Bayo Lawal represented Gov. Seyi Makinde, the state governor at the meeting.
Also present were Chief Segun Adesegun who represented former Governor Segun Osoba, Sen. Tony Adefuye, Sen. Dayo Adeyeye, state leaders of Afenifere.