President Buhari Archives

January 2, 2023

Obasanjo hallucinates, he is frustrated: Buhari

Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, President Buhari

President Muhammadu Buhari has given a blistering response to the latest letter issued by one of his predecessors, President Olusegun Obasanjo.

Buhari’s spokesman Garba Shehu, said Obasanjo will not stop attacking Buhari because he is jealous of Buhari’s achievements.

“President Buhari is ahead of Chief Obasanjo in all fields of national development and to do that is cardinal sin to Obasanjo whose hallucinations tell him that he is the best ever to lead Nigeria and there will never be another one better than him”, Garba wrote.

Read the full response titled: MORALLY SQUALID OBASANJO ATTACKS LEADERS OUT OF FRUSTRATION

Thanks for seeking our reaction.

Former President Obasanjo is so well known to all that no one needs to describe who he is.

But, four things we will like to say:

One is that he will not stop attacking President Muhammadu Buhari because the former President won’t stop being jealous of anyone who beats him to a new record in the nation’s development process.

President Buhari is ahead of Chief Obasanjo in all fields of national development and to do that is cardinal sin to Obasanjo whose hallucinations tell him that he is the best ever to lead Nigeria and there will never be another one better than him.

President Buhari just completed the world class edifice that is the Second Niger Bridge after three decades of failed promises. It is now awaiting commissioning.

Obasanjo laid the sod for the bridge in his first term as elected President and work never started.

When he sought re-election for his second term in office, he returned to the site to turn the sod for the bridge the second time. When the Obi of Onitsha, forthright and scholarly, reminded him that he had done this in the past, Obasanjo told the foremost Southeast traditional ruler that he was a liar, in the full presence of the Chiefs and Oracles in his palace.

Obasanjo lied to the Southeast to get their votes. President Buhari didn’t get their votes but built the bridge because he believed it is the right thing to do.

Two, President Buhari had been bagging awards and encomiums for trying to do that which the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria says a leader should do: serve one, or a maximum of two terms and go.

President Buhari has been stating and restating that he will supervise a better election than the one that brought him to office and to leave as and when due.

Having tried tenure elongation and failed, Obasanjo’s fictitious mind must be telling him that he is the one under attack.

But he is not on President Buhari’s radar because experience has shown, especially lately in West Africa where there have been at least three successful coups and many other failed attempts, that third term or tenure elongation is a recipe for political instability.

Furthermore, the totality of African leaders appointed President Buhari the Anti-Corruption Champion of the continent.

You can’t be an anti-corruption champion if “you meddled and bent the rules,” carrying the putrid responsibility of what happened to national assets in the name of privatization as documented by the Nigerian Senate in 2011.

As an insight, the Aluminum Smelter Company of Nigeria, ALSCON, which was set up with $3.2 billion, was sold to a Russian firm, Russal, for a paltry $130million. Delta Steel, which was set up in 2005, at a cost of $1.5billion, was sold to Global Infrastructure for just $30million.

ALSCON got back $120million for the dredging of the Imo River, which was never carried out.

Three, which is linked to the one above is the growing profile of President Buhari as the Champion of Democracy not only at home and in the West African subregion but the African continent as whole.

As President, Obasanjo destabilized internal democracy by orchestrating impeachment after impeachment of governors who were not compliant with his highly imperial administration.

As we said sometime back, Mr. Obasanjo’s tenure, 1999-2007, represented the dark days of Nigeria’s democracy due to a slew of assaults on the constitution.

The former president deployed federal machinery to remove governors Joshua Dariye, Rashidi Ladoja, Peter Obi, Chris Ngige and Ayo Fayose from office. They were the then governors of Plateau, Oyo, Anambra, Anambra and Ekiti, respectively, unjustly removed using the police and secret service under his control.

Under him, a five-man legislature met at 6:00 am and “impeached” Governor Dariye in Plateau; 18 members out of 32 removed Governor Ladoja of Oyo from office; in Anambra, APGA’s Governor Obi was equally impeached at 5:00 a.m. by members who did not meet the two-thirds required by the constitution.

Under the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), lawmaking powers of the Rivers State legislature were transferred to the federal parliament to punish Governor Amaechi for shifting his political alliance.

Moreover, Obasanjo damned the Supreme Court and unlawfully held back Lagos State revenues due from federal sources on account of his pettiness against Governor Bola Tinubu.

On the other hand, in Washington a few weeks ago, the US President Joe Biden at a meeting with African Heads of States and Government described President Buhari as a champion of democracy and role model for the leaders of African states.

Clearly, Obasanjo has become even more jealous by adopting a vengeful attitude.

Four, to say that “frying pan to fire” is the situation in Nigeria at this time should be read to mean a personal experience to him and we know what that means.

“Hell” for Obasanjo is when a President, any President that comes after him refuses to be his own puppet, to do as he wishes on all matters and at all times.

He then keeps attacking out of frustration.

Obasanjo’s vengeful attitude towards President Buhari is the height of selfishness and little short of moral squalor.

Garba Shehu

Senior Special Assistant to the President

(Media & Publicity)

January 2, 2023

December 21, 2022

Buhari says ready to campaign for Tinubu, all APC candidates

APC, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, President Buhari

STATE HOUSE PRESS RELEASE

PRESIDENT BUHARI READY TO CAMPAIGN FOR TINUBU AND ALL APC CANDIDATES WITH ENERGY AND CONVICTION

President Muhammadu Buhari assures the All Progressives Congress (APC) and its candidates in the elections next year that he is ready at all times to campaign for the Presidential Candidate and all party candidates with “full energy and conviction.”

This is to dispel expressed concerns in certain quarters that the President has not featured in campaigns since the national launch in Jos, Plateau State and to stress that while he remains committed to party politics, the functions and duties of the President will equally be upheld at times.

Speaking to the Nigerian community in Washington DC in the course of his recent visit to the United States, President Buhari stressed what he said all the time that he is ready to campaign for the party’s victory in the general elections next year.

The President noted that the APC campaigns have so far been the most aggressive in recent history. “They have been impressive and of a high voltage,” compared to the opposition that seems to be playing catch-up.

He expressed strong optimism that the party will win all the elections fairly and squarely.

Garba Shehu
Senior Special Assistant to the President
(Media & Publicity)

December 21, 2022

December 16, 2022

Tinubu commends Buhari for nation-building as President clocks 80

Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, President Buhari

PRESS RELEASE

Tinubu salutes Buhari at 80, commends the President’s commitment to nation-building

All Progressives Congress Presidential Candidate, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, has sent his special congratulatory message to President Muhammadu Buhari on the occasion of his 80th birthday.

In a statement by his Media Office signed by Mr. Tunde Rahman, Tinubu hailed the president for his commitment to nation-building and long years of patriotic service to the country.

The APC Presidential candidate who described President Buhari as “a patriot, selfless and steadfast leader of uncommon zeal,” noted that Buhari enlisted himself into the service of the country as a teenager who joined the military immediately after secondary school.

Asiwaju Tinubu said at 80, President Buhari can look back and be proud of his unblemished record of service to the nation throughout his military career as a soldier, platoon commander, General Officer Commanding, Military Governor, Minister of Petroleum, Head of State, Chairman of Petroleum Trust Fund and as the current leader of the country.

“I heartily congratulate my president and my leader, Muhammadu Buhari, on the momentous and remarkable occasion of his 80th birthday.

“An officer and a gentleman, President Buhari has been a selfless and steadfast leader, and a patriot with uncommon zeal who has dedicated almost his entire life to the service of Nigeria.

“Our country is lucky to have this great man and dedicated public servant at this time. President Buhari has led an extraordinary life of service to Nigeria at every duty post with unassailable integrity. History will be kind to him and record his contributions to the progress, unity and stability of Nigeria in volumes.

“As a people, we are truly blessed to have a president who sees no higher honour than the opportunity to serve his people, a responsibility he has always carried with utmost dedication.

“We are proud that at age 80, this noble man, an officer and a gentleman is still rendering his service, recording tremendous achievements, the country making remarkable progress under his leadership, and his steady hands gradually guiding the country to the Promised Land.

“On behalf of our great party, APC, and my family, I join the family, friends, associates and all well-wishers of President Buhari to wish him happy birthday and many happy returns of the day in good health.”

Tinubu Media Office
Tunde Rahman
December 16, 2022

December 6, 2022

Atiku lied on Buhari’s performance: FG

Atiku Abubakar, Lai Mohammed, President Buhari

The Federal Government has berated the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) presidential candidate, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, for accusing the administration of President Muhammadu Buhari of non-performance.

The Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, said it was absurd for Atiku to make such accusation when his party, PDP, ruled for 16 years, eight of which he was a Vice President and there was no motorable road to his hometown and key areas of his senatorial zone.

The minister spoke at the seventh edition of the ‘PMB Administration Scorecard Series (2015-2023) launched in October to showcase the numerous achievements of the Buhari Administration.

The Minister of Water Resources, Suleiman Adamu, gives the scorecard of his ministry at the series.

In an opening remark, Mohammed condemned the increasing tendency by some opposition presidential candidates to downplay the achievements of the Administration, in their desperation for power, ahead of the 2023 elections.

He said the worst offender in that regard was Atiku who at his recent campaign in Akure, said the APC had not done anything for Nigeria in eight years.

“What a preposterous statement from somebody who should know. I guess we can excuse His Excellency the former Vice President who, until recently, had fully relocated to Dubai, thus losing touch with Nigeria.”

The minister said what the PDP could not do or achieve in 16 years and Atiku in eight years as Vice President, the Buhari administration has achieved them.

“Today, gentlemen, the Mayo Belwa- Jada- Ganye- Toungo road have been constructed fully and it’s the road that Alhaji Atiku uses to get to his hometown of Jada.

“What about security? Before this Administration came into office, all the five local government areas in Adamawa’s Northern Senatorial District were effectively under the control of the Boko Haram terrorists.

“All state institutions, the local government administration, the police, the judiciary, schools, hospitals and markets had been sacked.

“Traditional rulers, including Emirs and Chiefs, had been displaced with their palaces taken over by the terrorists as their

“Today, not an inch of these local governments in Adamawa, the home state of the former Vice President, is under the control of terrorists.

“All institutions of state have relocated back and are operational while all Emirs and chiefs have returned to their palaces and schools and markets have opened,’’ he said.

The minister noted that throughout the period of the terrorists’ siege the former Vice President could not go home.

“Now that he can travel home freely, thanks to the Buhari Administration, it is not sweet in his mouth to accuse the same Administration of doing nothing,’’ he said.

In the area of Social Investment Programmes, the minister said there had been 29,641 beneficiaries, from Adamawa alone, of the N-Power Programme of the Buhari Administration.

He said under the Home Grown School Feeding Programme, some 162,782 pupils from Adamawa are benefitting from one meal a day.

He said the programme employed 2,259 cooks in Adamawa and had covered 1,236 schools in the state.

The minister said under the Conditional Cash Transfer, some 64,607 vulnerable people have benefitted in Adamawa alone, while Trader Moni and Market Moni have reached a total of 38,000 people in the state.

In the area of infrastructure, Mohammed said eight roads projects totalling 714 kilometres were currently being rehabilitated or constructed in the state.

“You can also see the irony of someone who held the number two position in the country for all of eight years but could not positively impact on his own hometown, state or region.

“It is ironic that he should be the one condemning an Administration that has made it possible for him to even access his hometown,’’ he said.

The minister reiterated that the Buhari administration has had a positive impact on all parts of this federation and no amount of rhetoric could change the fact.

Reported by NAN

November 18, 2022

Oshiomhole lauds Buhari for supporting APC, Tinubu

Adams Oshiomhole, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, President Buhari

Former National Chairman of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), Comrade Adams Oshiomhole, has commended President Muhammadu Buhari for demonstrating genuine support and the desired goodwill for the party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu.

Oshiomhole made the commendation while addressing State House correspondents after a closed door meeting with the president in Abuja on Friday.

The ex-APC national chairman said he was in the State House to express formal appreciation to the president for his determination and commitment to the APC ahead of the 2023 elections.

Oshiomhole, therefore, lauded the Nigerian leader for his resolve to remain at the forefront in the task of ensuring that the APC retains power for the sustenance and consolidation of its worthy legacies.

He expressed absolute confidence in the ability of the party’s flag bearer to have a landslide victory at the poll.

According to him, all the 23 APC governors are working relentlessly towards the success of Tinubu in the 2023 general elections, while the People’s Democratic Party’s candidate, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, has only about seven PDP governors supporting him.

”So, if you ask me how we are doing, we are doing very well. Whereas the other is now battling with five governors that backed out and you find out how many governors they have, we have 23.

”Now, if you add 23 to five, I’m not saying the five are with us, but we have 23 with five, I guess that’s 28. If you subtract 28 from 36, it means only eight governors, in fact, seven, because the other one in APGA is not there.

“So, while he has seven governors working for him, we have 23 working for us and we have five who are neutral. You know when you are voting, when I was in ILO, you vote for, against or you abstain. Abstinence is as good as voting against.

“So, however, you look at it, our campaign is going smoothly and the message is very clear. It’s very clear, it cannot be better.

”You saw us yesterday in Owerri. For me that was perhaps one of the best outings we’ve had.

”You listened to our candidate, you listened to those who spoke in Owerri, some of them offered to contribute towards the campaign because their concerns have been addressed by the APC candidate,” he said.

According to Oshiomhole, Tinubu is being accepted in the Southeast because the APC will continue to address the socio-economic and political interests of the zone,

He said: ”Election is about interest, whoever will address your interests, not religious sentiment, not ethnic sentiment, because hunger doesn’t have religious affiliation; unemployment does not have religious affiliation.

”Whoever will address your concerns, if you are a trader, whoever would make sure that the ports work more efficiently, you don’t have to pay toll to all kinds of people, that is the kind of person you want.

“Government is about providing those assets. We must talk about enabling environment and our candidate has laid out how he will do it,” he said.

Oshiomhole, who is the Deputy Director General of the APC Presidential Campaign Council, believed that Atiku had committed many errors that would pave way for the smooth and easy electoral victory for the APC in the 2023 presidential election.

According to him, the PDP presidential candidate has depleted the opposition party’s chances by offending some of those who ought to be major backers of his campaign.

November 15, 2022

Buhari pledges to work for Tinubu’s election

Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, President Buhari, Senator Abdullahi Adamu

President Muhamadu Buhari said he will work with All Progressives Congress (APC) stakeholders for the election of Sen. Ahmed Tinubu as his successor come 2023.

Buhari stated this in his brief speech at the flag off of APC presidential campaign on Tuesday in Jos.

“The party has taken a stand and we are going to support and campaign for him to be elected president of Nigeria.

“I am not going to read a long speech, I am here to hand over our party flag to him,” he said.

Sen. Abdullahi of Adamu, the APC National Chairman, said in his speech that the party was honoured to have the president attending the inauguration of the campaign in person.

Adamu said that Buhari’s presence showed his commitment to the party and all its candidates.
The chairman stated that Buhari’s achievements surpassed those of his predecessors in terms of infrastructure and other areas.

“I ask you all to stand up and applaud Buhari for a job well done.

“Our party has performed creditably well, we promise change and we delivered change,” he said.

He pointed out that the party flag as handed over to the candidate, was a symbol of authority to lead the party into 2023 general elections.

According to him, the flag is the banner of the party and must remain clean at all times.

“We must not do anything that will stain the banner. It will stain when we fail to be good ambassadors and faithful servants of the party.

“We stain the banner when we do things that negate free, fair and credible elections,” he emphasised.

He said that it would not do them any good if APC members failed to work hard for the success of the party.

Adamu further said that he understood that hard work and unity of purpose would produce the desired results for the party.

The chairman urged APC members not to relent saying “it is not over until it is over, until the trophy of victory is in our bag, we will not rest”.

He further urged party members to vote all APC candidates in the elections.

Adamu added that the party was in the race to win at all levels.

Senate President Ahmed Lawan assured Buhari and Tinubu that all National Assembly members were completely committed to supporting presidential candidate and his running mate.

Lawan said that the APC worked hard to elect more the 75 per cent its members to National Assembly so that the next president would enjoy robust relationship with the legislature.

November 15, 2022

Tinubu praises Buhari at flag-off as Adamu says APC in race to win

Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Jos rally, President Buhari

President Muhammadu Buhari and Chairman of the All Progressives Congress, Senator Abdullahi Adamu, led other stalwarts to Jos, Plateau State to flag off the presidential campaign rally of the party.

At the rally held on Tuesday at Jos Township Stadium, President Buhari assisted by Adamu handed over the party’s flag to Asíwájú Tinubu.

He reiterated his promise to lead the party’s campaign for the 2023 presidential election.

Adamu, who said the APC is in the presidential race to win, rallied APC supporters in the state to come out en-masse to vote for all APC candidates.

Tinubu and Shettima acknowledge cheers with the broom

“The people of Plateau state deserves the best and would achieve that if you continue to support the party at the centre that has shown commitment and performed so well.

“Our Director General, Simon Lalong, is your Governor and your son. He is a prominent member and knight of the catholic church. APC is your party where you have huge stakes. You must protect your stake,” he said.

The flag off had in attendance Vice Presidential Candidate Senator Kashim Shettima, Senate President Ahmed Lawan and Speaker of the House Representatives Femi Gbajabiamila.

In attendance were Governors Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq (Kwara), Abdullahi Ganduje (Kano), Nasir El-Rufai (Kaduna), Abubakar Sani-Bello (Niger), Yahaya Bello (Kogi), Abubakar Badaru (Jigawa), Prof. Ben Ayade (Crossrivers) Governors Atiku Bagudu (Kebbi), Abdullahi Sule (Nasarawa), Lagos Deputy Governor Femi Hamzat, former Bauchi governor Mohammed Abubakar, former Ekiti governor, Dr. Kayode Fayemi, former governor of Borno, Modu Ali-Sheriff, and former Minister of Transportation, Hon. Rotimi Amaechi.

There were also Senator Oluremi Tinubu, wife of APC Presidential Candidate, Hajiya Nana Shettima, wife of the Vice Presidential Candidate Shettima, both of whom also addressed the rally, and Dr. Ibijoke Sanwoolu, wife of Governor Sanwo-Olu of Lagos, ministers and members of APC National Working Committee.

On arrival in Jos on Monday, Asíwájú Tinubu and his entourage had paid a courtesy call on Gbong Gwon Jos, Jacob Buba, who described both Tinubu and his running mate as tested people who have records of achievements, adding that what the country needs at this time are tested men.

While addressing the rally, both the National Chairman of the party and the Chairman, Progressives Governors’ Forum who is also the governor of Kebbi, Bagudu, commended President Buhari for his achievements.

They said Buhari would be leaving behind important legacies in democracy, good governance, infrastructure development and economic growth particularly in the area of agriculture and food security.

The Director-General of the Tinubu/Shettima Campaigns and governor of Plateau, Simon Lalong, said Tinubu who is described as City Boy of Lagos is now City Boy of the Plateau.

On his part President Buhari presented the party’s flag to Asiwaju Tinubu to formally present him to Nigerians as the symbol of the party in the coming presidential election.

In his speech that was later interpreted in Hausa language by his running mate, Kashim Shettima, Asiwaju Tinubu, praised Nigerians for believing in the APC to lead the country to progress after years of backwardness under the PDP administration by declaring “hope is back.”

He said the campaign was starting in Plateau, a place that properly shows Nigeria’s vast potentials.

He praised President Buhari, describing him as a man of honour, who had laid a good foundation for the him and Shettima to build on.

He thanked the party for giving him the honour to be the flag bearer. He praised the governors and host, Governor Simon Lalong.

His speech was broken intermittently by electrifying music to which Tinubu and the big party men also swayed.

He said the rally was a celebration of some sort and congratulated wife of Governor Lalong and Senator Tanko Al-Makura, whose birthday coincided with the rally.

Tinubu then spoke about the economic potentials of Plateau state and Nigeria in general.

“One can see greater prosperity and jobs in an economy humming with activity. From the farmer in the rural area to the city boy in a bustling urban centre, each will have productive work to do and a decent home to return to.

“One can see a Nigeria where all who want to will be able to build a decent life from the fruits of their individual and collective endeavour.

“From this fine vantage point, we see how far we have come. We also see how far we must go and the road that will take us there,” Tinubu said.

The APC flag bearer took time to praise President Muhammadu Buhari for his presence at the flag-off and the great foundation he has laid for the nation, which his incoming administration plans to build on.

“I am deeply honoured for the presence of His Excellency, President Muhammadu Buhari. As campaign chairman, he promised to lead from the front. A man of his word, President Buhari has done what he said and more.

“Mr. President, you have provided exceptional service to the nation and party. Your contributions are both positive and enduring. When the history of this period is objectively written, it will smile upon you and treat you with utmost kindness,” he added.

He also praised Adamu for leading the APC and steadying the ship of the party since assuming office as national chairman.

On his plans for the country if elected president, Tinubu said unlike other parties who are either dwelling on a fruitless past or a tomorrow of fantasies, his administration hopes to chart the course of progress already stated by the Buhari administration.

“We hereby reaffirm our commitment to progressive good governance and to the fruits that such governance can bring to this nation.

“February 2023 is more than an election. It is a fight to define the soul of the nation and to determine our collective fate. Do we adhere to the ideals of broadly shared prosperity, competence, peace, justice and compassion toward all? Or do we toss these ideals away, lashing ourselves to the divisive politics of the past or to those whose rantings show they cannot distinguish between fact and fantasy.

“One party wants to take us back to a past that never should have been. Another party wants to take us to a past that resides only in its candidate’s head. Neither the old road nor the fantasy road is good enough.

“Instead, we forge the wiser path toward our approved destination — an even better Nigeria. This is what the election is truly about,” he added.

To ensure overall energy security and resource mobilisation for the country, Tinubu promised to continue the ongoing exploration works in all frontier basins and especially speed up the development of the commercial oil find in Gombe/ Bauchi states.

Reeling out the successes of the Buhari administration, Tinubu said there was massive development in the agricultural, infrastructure and power sectors in the last eight years of the APC government.

According to him, these foundations now require more builders to make it a massive structure, calling on all Nigerians to embark on the journey with him.

“Here, I thank president Buhari again because he has truly established a strong foundation for the things we are now to do.

“The Buhari administration achieved things in the agricultural, infrastructural, and power sector no other administration has done. Additionally, his government liberated hundreds of communities from terrorists and brought thousands of displaced persons back to their homes.

“Truly the foundation has been set. It is now time to call more builders forward to further construct the national edifice that will be our best home. We, the APC and the Tinubu/Shettima team, seek to make permanent a covenant of progressive good governance with the people,” he said.

He added, “Under this hopeful pact, we will assemble the best team.

“We shall build on progress in the agricultural sector by establishing commodity boards guaranteeing minimal prices for strategic crops.

“We shall create agricultural and industrial hubs in all zones.

“You shall also see water catchment and irrigation systems to help farming while mitigating the dire effects of drought and flooding brought about by a changing climate.

“We will encourage urban employment through a national industrial plan that employs a series of measures including tax and employment credits.

“We will deepen the knowledge economy. Millions of the tech savvy, innovative youth will benefit as will our overall economy. talented youth will find a place in our government.

“We will bring greater power through natural gas and reasonable reform of the entire power sector.

“Our government will continue the infrastructural expansion so the overall economy may continue to expand in lockstep.

“Most importantly, I will give utmost priority to extinguishing terrorists and violent criminals. We shall augment our military, police and security personnel while providing them with better tactical communication and mobility. We will employ hi-tech aerial surveillance to track and attack these menaces.

“These evil forces seek to destroy our democratic way of life. I have news for them. We will defeat their destructive way of life. They shall be utterly defeated and vanquished from our soil.”

Tinubu, second left, withh Pa Fasoranti, Ondo deputy governor Aiyedatiwa, Gov. Oyebanji of Ekiti, Otunba Gbenga Daniel

October 30, 2022

Buhari, North proved to me Nigeria can survive its unity

Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Northern Governors, President Buhari

PRESS RELEASE

Buhari, North proved to me Nigeria can survive its unity, Tinubu tells Afenifere leaders

…presents Action Plan to Yoruba leaders

All Progressives Congress Presidential Candidate, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, on Sunday in Akure, Ondo State at the residence of Afenifere Leader, Pa Reuben Fasoranti, said President Muhammadu Buhari, Governors of APC from the North and other Northern leaders have proved to him that Nigeria can survive its unity and other challenges.

Tinubu made the statement during an interaction with Afenifere Leaders where he presented his policy document, Action Plan for a Better Nigeria.

Recalling his earlier visit to Pa Fasoranti on March 4th this year while he was on nationwide consultation before the APC Primaries, Tinubu said he promised the Afenifere leader that he would come back after winning the APC ticket.
Tinubu said he had come to fulfill his promise and asked Yoruba leaders to thank President Buhari and Northern Governors for their steadfastness and for being promise-keepers.

“The North proved to me Nigeria can survive its unity. Some people want President Muhammadu Buhari to announce someone but the President said No. He insisted the process must go on democratically. The President said anyone that would mess up the APC process would see the other side of his eyes. He remained upright and saw to the process to the end.

“Northern APC Governors resolved that the Presidency must go to the South and especially South West. Governor Nasir El-Rufai, Abdullahi Ganduje and others supported me to the end. The battle was tough and at a point I was in doubt. There were many rumours and I became confused of what to believe.”

Still speaking on President Buhari’s forthrightness and affirmation of his full support to make sure he wins the election, Tinubu said:
“President Buhari told me I promoted his name with the way I won the primary election because the process was clean and transparent and nobody can accuse him of manipulating the process. President Buhari said I gave him credibility and I deserved to be President. When I asked him to nominate the VP candidate for me, he said I should pick whoever I want and it is the reason I chose a competent man in Kashim Shettima who never lost any election and protected Christians in time of trouble in his state.”

While welcoming Tinubu and his entourage, General Secretary of Afenifere, Chief Seinde Arogbofa, charged Tinubu to be a leader that will unite Nigeria and work for the progress and development of the country.

“You are not just a Yoruba man but a Nigerian. When you become President take Nigeria into consideration in all you do but never forget home. Our demands are what you know already. Restructuring, security and fixing the economy. Our country is no longer safe. We want state police so that the country will be safe.”

Deputy Governor of Ondo State, Hon. Lucky Aiyedatiwa, who received Tinubu and his delegation on behalf of Governor Rotimi Akeredolu said Ondo State people are Afenifere and will support Tinubu to win.

“Asiwaju has the reach, the competence to lead Nigeria,” the Deputy Governor said.

In his remark, Ekiti State Governor Biodun Oyebanji assured the Yoruba leaders that all the governors of South West and Ekiti people are solidly behind Tinubu.

“We are happy to receive our leader, Asiwaju Tinubu, today. I want to assure him and our fathers that we will support him to the end.

Former Secretary of the Government of the Federation, Chief Olu Falae, and Afenifere leader charged the APC presidential flagbearer to work to fix the economy. Chief Falae decried the falling value of the Naira, adding that he used all his life to serve Nigeria and at his old age he does not want all he used his life for to be wasted.

“When you become President please work to fix this country. We are here to offer advice. I am old and no longer looking for job. We need to fix security, fix our economy. Our naira is almost becoming useless and will soon become N1000 to a dollar. We must change that. I know your ability. We will always be here to support and I wish you well. We will be here when you bring the throphy home by the grace of God.

Leaders of Afenifere from the six South West State including Kwara and Kogi were present at the Akure residence of the Afenifere leader to offer support to Asiwaju Tinubu.

The roll-call of the Afenifere leaders in Akure who came to receive Asiwaju Tinubu and offer their full support included Retired Methodist Bishop, Archbishop Ayo Ladigbolu, Chief Arogbofa, Chief Pius Akinyelure, Professor Isaac Adewole, Chief Olu Falae, Otunba Gbenga Daniel, General Alani Akinrinade, General Olu Bajowa, Mr. Sola Iji, Dr Kunle Olajide, General Secretary of Yoruba Council of Elders, Senator Cornelius Adebayo, Senator Iyiola Omisore, Chief Bisi Akande, Dare Babarinsa, Chief Pius Akinyelure, Deputy governor of Oyo State, Bayo Lawal who represented Governor Seyi Makinde.

Others were Chief Segun Adesegun, representing former Governor Segun Osoba, Senator Tony Adefuye, Senator Dayo Adeyeye, State leaders of Afenifere and many others.

Tinubu Media Office
Tunde Rahman
Akure, October 30, 2022

L-R, APC chairman Adamu, President BBuhari, Tinubu, Senator Tinubu, Senator Lawan and PCC DG Gov. Simon Lalong

October 22, 2022

I will lead Tinubu’s campaign: President Buhari

APC, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, President Buhari

The speech of His Excellency President Muhammadu Buhari at the unveiling of the PCC and the Action Plan of the APC Presidential candidate delivered Friday, October 21, 2022

1. I am glad to be here today to join leaders and members of our great Party on this yet another epochal occasion of unveiling the Action Plans of our Presidential candidate, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the Jagaban, my friend, partner, and brother.

2. It is indeed an important occasion for two reasons. First, it is significant to note that this unveiling is the third by our Party. I have had the opportunity of unveiling two Action Plans. I had the privilege of presenting our party’s manifesto of Change in 2014. It was a manifesto that signposted our collective desire to arrest the directionless journey our country was headed under the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). The second time was in 2018 when I unveiled the Next Level agenda of our government.

3. The second reason this occasion is significant is that we are having our first transition within our party where I am in the last year of my two-term mandate, and we have a new candidate to lead our party into another Presidential election.

4. The events preceding our Presidential primaries and the conduct of the primaries
were important milestones in the development of our internal democracy and party politics. I must congratulate the leadership of our party, other stakeholders, and the entire party members for the success of the exercise. We can say with confidence, that our party, the All Progressives Congress (APC), is charting a steady course in our journey towards enthroning lasting democratic culture in our body polity.

5. I want to formally express my gratitude to all our Party officials in the National Executive Council, the Zonal, State, Senatorial, Local Government, and Ward executives for their unalloyed support for me and the great efforts and outstanding commitment to the cause of our Party during our previous campaigns, elections, and during our over seven years in government so far.

6. It is important for us as members of APC to understand the importance of building a strong and purposeful Political Party. You would recall that the project of pulling our country back from the precipice in 2015 was made possible by putting together a formidable Political Party peopled by many who have made a vow to work for a Nigeria we all can be proud of.

7. In our seven years journey as a government, we have every reason to be proud of our achievements. Despite the unfavourable circumstances of global economic downturns, the Covid-19 pandemic that practically grounded the world for over a year and upset many nations’ growth, very low international oil prices resulting in low revenue, and our local challenges of insecurity, and inherited systemic corruption, we have managed to make our country stable and lay a solid foundation for progressive growth.

8. Today, we can say that our security personnel are better equipped and motivated to continue their activities in the battlefield that have led to massive and successive operational successes in our quest to secure our country by providing adequate security for lives and property of all citizens.
The efforts of our men and women in the armed forces over the last years are beginning to yield positive outcomes. We are gradually taking back our country from the bandits, kidnappers, and terrorists in the northeast and northwest and other parts of our country.

Our administration remains committed to progressively eliminate all flashpoints of insecurity nationwide. We would triumph over the enemies of our country; in whatever forms and shapes they appear.

Our commitment to stimulate our nation’s economy through massive infrastructural development has not been misplaced. We are already seeing the unprecedented infrastructure across the country. The real impacts of our efforts will be felt more as the various projects are completed and put to use in the coming days.

9. It is worth reiterating the fact that we are stronger today only because we continue to support the Party. For us to develop an enduring democracy in our country, we must first subscribe to the supremacy of our Political Party. We must subject ourselves to the rules and learn to operate within the guidelines as stipulated in our Party’s Constitution.

10. It is on this note that I want to rally all our party members behind our candidate, Asiwaju Tinubu in our determination to continue to lead this country so that we can consolidate on our achievements and do more. It would be disastrous to allow a situation that will lead to the reversal of the progress our country has made. Let me add that i joyfully accept the position of the chairman of campaign council we are unveiling today.

11. Our candidate, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu is too well known for his capacity and can-do spirit. He stands tall in his track records as a democrat, a champion of the rule of law, a man at home in every part of our country, and a truly visionary leader.

I will be at the forefront of this campaign. This election is even more important than the election of 2015 that brought us into power. The costs of losing the gains our country has made is much more than the need to stop the haemorrhage that led to our coming together nearly nine years ago.

12. I, therefore, want to assure all party members and supporters of our government that I will be at the forefront of this campaign. This election is even more important than the election of 2015 that brought us into power. The costs of losing the gains our country has made is much more than the need to stop the haemorrhage that led to our coming together nearly nine years ago.

13. I want to charge every member to put in all their efforts during the next four and half months of campaign to ensure we record a resounding victory in all our elections nationwide. The future of this country is safer in our hands.

14. At this juncture, I would like to congratulate our Presidential candidate and his running mate, Senator Kashim Shetima, for the victory at the Primaries. I want also to commend the maturity and sportsmanship of other contestants. I am glad to know that most of our aspirants transferred their structures, including campaign offices to our party’s candidate after the primaries. This is a demonstration of the commitment of our party leaders and members to the cause of democratic practices.

15. Similarly, it is important for all our Party members to see themselves as ambassadors of our progressive principles and exemplify the best of us wherever they find themselves.

16. I thank you for the job you are doing for us as Party members and for our government. I wish us a successful campaign and outcomes in the 2023 elections. God bless our party.

God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria

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Tag: President Buhari