By Bolaji Ogundele, Abuja; Ogochukwu Anioke, Abakaliki and Samuel Oamen
Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo, Ebonyi State Governor Dave Umahi, his Cross River counterpart Ben Ayade and former Minister of Transportation Rotimi Amaechi yesterday congratulated the presidential candidate of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, on securing the party’s ticket.
The quartet contested against Tinubu in the primary.
Osinbajo said in a statement that Tinubu’s vast experience would come in handy.
“For many decades, our flagbearer has shown passion, patriotism, courage and determination in the cause of nation building.
“His sterling contributions to our democracy and its progress stand him out. His wealth of experience will certainly be critical in our party’s continued efforts to attain a more secure and prosperous Nigeria.
“To all members of our great party, regardless of who you voted for at the primaries, we must now unite behind our presidential candidate and flagbearer to ensure victory for our party in the 2023 elections.
“As true progressives, we must remain strong and united in pursuing our collective vision as a party towards building a country that can provide a decent life and livelihoods for all our people”, the Vice-President said.
Umahi, in a statement by his media aide, Nwaze Francis, promised to support the APC presidential candidate to ensure that he emerged victorious in the 2023 general elections.
“Let me assure you that the Ebonyi State chapter of the APC and I will support you and all the candidates of our party in the 2023 general elections.
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“I encourage the leaders and members of our party to come together to support the party for a victorious journey in the 2023 elections,” Umahi said.
Ayade, in a statement by his spokesman, Christian Ita, expressed an “unwavering optimism that this soldier of democracy who has seen it all will lead our great party to victory.”
He assured the APC presidential candidate of his total support at the polls.
Ayade said: “Your Excellency, from your NADECO days to the ACN (Action Congres if Nigeria) era and then to your immeasurable contribution to the formation of APC and its subsequent ascension to power, there is no doubt that you have laboured and sacrificed for democracy and its enthronement in our nation.
“Therefore, your emergence as the presidential candidate of our great party is a fitting and deserving reward for a man who has been in the trenches for democracy and good governance for decades now.”
Amaechi assured Tinubu of his commitment to the party’s success at the polls in 2023.
He said: “I am confident that your victory will re-energise the progressive ideals of our great party APC, buttressed by your mission of a Common Sense Revolution which led to the defeat of PDP in the 2015 general elections.
“As you embark on this historic journey, I wish to assure you of my commitment to your success at the polls in 2023 and ultimately look forward to providing the necessary support to ensure that we develop a prosperous country for all Nigerians.”
Also yesterday, the Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu Movement UK & Diaspora (ABAT UK 8 Diaspora) hailed Tinubu on his “historic victory”.
In a statement by the UK Coordinator and Legal Adviser, George Olufemi Ogunjimi and the Global General Coordinator, Akogun Banji Ojo, the movement described Tinubu’s victory as tough and rough but well deserved.
It said the former Lagos State governor had built bridges across ethnic, religious and even political divides in Nigeria.
“The battle was rough and tough, but the victory brings in relief and smiles. The entire management of this organisation in all countries are happy to be part of this victory,” it said.
The group noted that Tinubu had built up and sponsored people into high political positions, adding that his victory was a payback to “the undisputed leader of the APC.”