President Muhammadu Buhari has reaffirmed the presidential candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, emerged from a purely democratic process.
The President, who spoke when he paid Sallah homage to the Emir of Katsina, Abdulmumini Kabir Usman, at his palace in Katsina, explained Tinubu’s emergence was a reflection of the will of the members of APC.
Buhari, who was accompanied on the homage by Katsina Governor Bello Masari, also urged all Nigerians to be understanding with government as it continues to tackle the challenges facing the country, noting the situation is more dire in other African countries.
According to a statement by his Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, Mallam Garba Shehu, Buhari said: “When the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) signalled parties to elect their presidential candidates, we had 30 aspirants, mostly Ministers in my cabinet and Governors.
“I told each of the aspirants to go and do their best. One particular Governor, in his wisdom, came to meet me and asked who they should vote for at the party convention, checking if I had a preferred candidate.
“There was no need for interference, knowing the competence of all the aspirants. They went and elected Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, and he picked his running mate, Sen. Kashim Ibrahim, process in choosing our candidates for the 2023 elections. I am praying that we will have a peaceful and successful elections,’’ he said.
Buhari, who thanked Nigerians for their support for the APC in 2015 and 2019, said he had a rich experience in 2003, 2007, 2011 and 2015 presidential elections, travelling to all the 774 local councils in the country and in 2019 visiting 36 States.
He said since Nigerians elected him, his administration had been doing everything to fix the country, saying if Nigerians know how difficult it has been for other African countries, they will thank God for their country.
“They say he who wants to serve should be ready for the responsibility of leadership. Three times I wanted this position and three times I ended up at the Supreme Court. For that reason, in terms of experience, I have gathered a lot. I visited 774 local councils in 2003, 2007, 2011 and 2015.
“I feel privileged that Nigerians elected me in 2015. Since then, we have been doing our best to tackle the challenges, with God helping us. We are not alone. If only we know what other countries in Africa are passing through, we will be grateful to God, and protect our country. Other African countries are passing through a lot.
“As leaders, we are doing our best, and will keep doing our best to improve the situation. I am praying that the Almighty God will give us more strength and wisdom to protect our people, and fulfill our promises of ensuring wellbeing,” he said
The President said his administration will keep doing its best to address the concerns on security, which the Emir of Katsina and Masari highlighted in their remarks.
“I have heard all that the goyvernor and emir have to say on what people expect from government. I will not add anything. I am the one receiving the orders. I will continue to do my best,’’ he said.
Buhari appreciated God that the seasons had been favorable for farming and food production.
“As I was going to Daura from Katsina, we had to use choppers, so I had a good view of some farms. May God continue to bless our efforts in farming.
“We are still craving the understanding of all citizens. We are doing our best. We are praying that our efforts will translate into more good results. Nothing surpasses living in peace. We are praying that God will give us the advantage of dealing with all those that trouble the country. We don’t know why they are doing what they are doing. We pray our people show more understanding,’’ he added.
