By Uche Amunike
President Muhammadu Buhari and the presidential candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Bola Tinubu, Thursday, were at the palace of the Sultan of Sokoto, Sa’ad Abubakar 111, to seek his blessings and support in winning the February 23 general election.
Speaking, through a statement signed by Presidential Spokesman, Garba Shehu and titled ‘President Buhari, Tinubu to Sultan: We Want to Win These Elections’, the president, stated that his 20-year old relationship with Bola Tinubu made him bold enough to vouch for him as a worthy flag-bearer for the poll.
He further said that Tinubu’s greatest selling point as a governor of Lagos state remained turning the state from a Federal Capital Territory to a commercial capital.
The statement further read: ‘He narrated the qualities of the candidates, including their common belief and commitment to the unity and progress of every section of the country.’
‘He said he had associated with Asiwaju for more than 20 years and did not have any reservations in supporting him as the candidate of the APC.
“The President said Tinubu’s greatest strength was in his effective governance of Lagos, the country’s former Capital, a business hub and home to diverse individuals from all over Nigeria for two terms; his commitment to democracy; as well as his role at the center as a Senator’.
President Buhari called on Nigerians to trust the duo of Bola Tinubu and Kashim Shettima to succeed him as he believed they would build on the achievements of his regime.
While making his speech, Bola Tinubu wondered if the monarch would turn down the request of the president. Hear him: ‘I have come to be presented to you as candidate. The President and Commander-in-Chief, Muhammadu Buhari, is here in person to do that. I want to win the election. Is there a way you will decline the request of the President?’
In response, Sultan Sa’ad Abubakar stated that as a political father of all and a custodian of culture and tradition, he would always be open to receiving everyone that came to seek the blessing of the throne, while reminding the president that many had come before him to seek his blessings too and many more would still come.
He stated also that President Buhari’s commitment to be present at the next signing of the Peace Accord by the political parties underscored the desire of his administration to bequeath a credible electoral process to the nation.
His words: ‘We will continue to pray for our nation. We cannot be tired of praying and will continue to advocate for peaceful and free elections in our fatherland’.
After meeting with the sultan, their next port of call was the Gingiya Memorial Stadium, Sokoto, where their campaign rally was held. President Buhari called on their supporters to work towards the success of the party in the forthcoming polls at all levels, noting that Bola Tinubu and his running mate, Kashim Shettima are experienced politicians who would readily proffer solutions to the problems being faced in the country, having served as two-time governors in their different states.
Senate President Ahmed Lawan , Speaker, House of Representatives Femi Gbajamiala and former Governor Aliyu Wamakko were present at the rally, among other APC faithful .
In the presence of Buhari and Tinubu, the Sultan remain uncommitted to any political party. I give it to the Sultan than Nigeria is at crossroads. Let a better candidate WIN.