Sanwo-Olu, Tinubu & Shettima. |
The nationwide presidential campaign rallies of All Progressives Congress (APC), on Tuesday, peaked in Lagos State - the political base of the ruling party’s presidential standard bearer, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
The
metropolis witnessed what appeared to be its largest political parade;
elegantly dressed residents and party supporters trooped into streets with
various shades of campaign banners, dancing and chanting APC slogans. They
walked to the rally ground - Teslim Balogun Stadium in Surulere - to wait for
the presidential candidate and members of the campaign council.
Tinubu,
who flew into Lagos from Abuja, was received by a tumultuous crowd of
residents, and rode in a large motorcade from the airport through the city. The
crowd grew stronger as the political procession moved from Ikeja to Oshodi,
Mushin and Ojuelegba.
The
physical presence of President Muhammadu Buhari sent a message of reassurance
to the crowd of party supporters that thronged the rally ground.
The
campaign’s grand finale was attended by all APC Governors, Senate President,
Sen. Ahmad Lawan, House of Representatives Speaker, Rt. Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila,
APC National Chairman, Sen. Abdullahi Adamu, members of Lagos State Executive
Council, party leaders in Lagos and other States in the Southwest.
Governor
Babajide Sanwo-Olu, while declaring the rally open, said the sight of a massive
crowd that accompanied APC presidential candidate’s motorcade to the stadium
further demonstrated Lagos remained a stronghold of the progressives, thanking
Lagosians for supporting and keeping faith with the party.
Sanwo-Olu
said Tinubu had not only traversed the country to canvass for the support of
all Nigerians, the Governor said the candidate had shown his commitment to lead
the country on a new path to peace, stability and prosperity.
He
said: “From Ikeja down to this rally, we witnessed overwhelming show of support
and love for Asiwaju on the streets, which is an acknowledgment of the love
Lagos people have for the City Boy (Tinubu). Thank you Lagosians for believing
in the progressives party and for rising to receive our leader.
“On
Saturday, we have another opportunity to consolidate the support which you have
shown our party. I urge you all to troop to your polling stations and massively
vote for the man who has the capacity to bring the country to another level of
development. With your support, I have no doubt APC will be victorious.”
Tinubu,
apparently moved by the massive turnout at the rally, said he heard the message
from the electorate “loud and clear”. He expressed his readiness to offer his
intellectual ability to lead the country and chart a new future for the
youth.
The
APC presidential candidate described the level of support he received
throughout the electioneering “as extremely remarkable”, pledging to deploy his
physical and mental energy to work out his vision for Nigeria and renew the
citizens’ hope.
He
said: “I am coming to give Nigerians renewed hope, because there is hope in the
country. The level of support I have received throughout the campaign is
extremely remarkable. I assure you all that, as you work hard for my victory, I
will work hard for Nigeria.
“I will sustain that hope by prioritising your wellbeing at all times. Those who are feeling helpless today will have their expectations revalidated. All the agenda set out in our manifesto will be pursued vigorously with all our energy.”
Explaining
why the choice of his running mate, Tinubu said Sen. Kashim Shettima stood out
among the list of qualified party members he had in mind. Aside possessing
knowledge, attitude and capacity, Tinubu said Shettima faced Boko Haram crisis
as Borno State Governor with perseverance, determination and grit to overcome
the challenge, while protecting citizens of his State from the effects of
terrorism.
The
APC presidential candidate expressed gratitude to Buhari for allowing internal
democracy within the party and freedom to choose the party’s flag bearer.
Tinubu
said: “Mr. President, thank you in a million time. You set our feet on the path
to the future, to work on and achieve greatness because it is desirable for
Nigeria to be great.
“You
said, for anyone to succeed you, he or she must work and follow the guidelines
for nomination and that the primaries must be very transparent. You said our
party will be a shining example like dew on the mountain.”
Buhari
raised the hands of Tinubu and Shettima in demonstration of his commitment to
APC victory at the election.
Director
General of APC Presidential Campaign Council and Governor of Plateau State,
Simon Lalong, hailed Lagosians for trooping out for the rally, saying: ”The
crowd that welcomed us looked like we were already celebrating the victory of
our party.”
Lalong
said a new president was already in place, adding that the country was only
waiting for the presidential election to ratify the party’s victory.
He
thanked Nigerians in advance for electing Tinubu.
APC
chairman, Senator Abdullahi Adamu, said the party and its standard bearer
traversed the length and breadth of the country, and organised successful
campaigns.
“By
the feelers we got across the country, we are sure of victory. I believe by
this time on Saturday, we would be celebrating. The die is cast; Tinubu will be
sworn in May 29, 2023,” Adamu said.
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