The National Leader of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and presidential aspirant, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, has said the rising number of people working to secure the party’s presidential ticket is good for democracy.
At least five APC governors, four ministers, many senators and other stakeholders of the ruling party are in the race for the presidential ticket.
Speaking after meeting with President Muhammadu Buhari at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, Tinubu said the development showed that leaders were not abandoning the country.
Daily Trust learnt that the former governor of Lagos State met with the President at his official residence to pay him the traditional Sallah homage.
“The more the merrier. The more they come, the more challenging it becomes for you to think deeply, focus on issues and be ready to serve and Nigeria. It’s all about service, it’s nothing else. Think wisely, get committed to your thinking to serve the nation and bring progress and prosperity to the lives of Nigerians.”
“It’s good for the country for so many of us to aspire to want to lead, we’re not abandoning our nation. But there’s only one chair and one possibility. We will do that,” he said.
The Jagaban Borgu, while reacting to another question on the fears being expressed about the unity of the ruling party, said the APC would remain intact and united after its presidential primary.
He said President Buhari had shown that he is in support of a transparent democratic process.
“We are sure that we will remain united. You know our symbol is the broom, you don’t break it as you go. Nigeria requires commitment, a uniform system and a stable country and that is the only way we can be very proud of Nigeria.
“The President has shown a great example of leadership, gave us the freedom to say you want to run, you want to attempt, go ahead. He is a democrat and if we are running a constitutional democracy, you don’t hinder the desire, the wish of other people,” he said.
Tinubu, however, used the opportunity to congratulate the President on the successful Eid-el-Fitr celebrations across Nigeria, as well as his genuine efforts at confronting the challenges bedeviling the country for sustainable future.
“President has shown a great example of leadership. He’s been very honest and forthright with Nigerians. Yes, we’ll continue to be challenged within this short period of time, but it’s left for us, the followers, to help, to be ready, to persevere and give hope to the populace and yes, we can do it. We will do it,” he said.
