APC Presidential Primary: More Nigerians congratulate Tinubu on victory

Uzodimma, Oshiomhole, Iji, Ndoma-Egba, Okorocha, Others Vouch Support

Imo State Governor, Hope Uzodimma, has congratulated the presidential candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Bola Ahmed Tinubu, on his victory at the recent presidential primary of his party held at the Eagle Square, Abuja.

Uzodimma, who was the chairman of the APC Special Convention/Presidential Primary, in a statement, yesterday, stated that with the victory, the former governor of Lagos State has demonstrated his strength, tenacity, experience, credibility and integrity.

He pointed out that Tinubu’s efforts towards the nation’s political and democratic growth could not be wished away.

His words: “On behalf of the government and good people of Imo State, I heartily congratulate His Excellency, the former Governor of Lagos State, Asiwaju Ahmed Bola Tinubu, Jagaban Borgu on his victory at the just concluded presidential primary and his emergence as the flag bearer and presidential candidate of our great party for the forthcoming 2023 presidential election.

“By this victory, our great party has once again demonstrated to Nigerians that the APC is dedicated and committed to the tenets of democracy and upholding all democratic principles by conducting a free, fair and credible primary that brought in His Excellency Asiwaju Ahmed Bola Tinubu.

“This victory has also reiterated and demonstrated the strength, tenacity, experience, credibility and integrity of our flag bearer.

“By this victory we are confident that the APC will definitely cruise to victory in the 2023 presidential election and other elections at all levels.

“I therefore call on all our party supporters in Imo State, South East and across the country to come together, irrespective differences and support Tinubu to emerge the next president of our dear country as his wealth of experience, doggedness and sincerity of purpose is needed to move our country forward at this time.”

Also, a former Ambassador to Togo, Sola Iji, has described Tinubu’s victory as a catalyst for a new Nigeria.

He added that Tinubu’s success at the presidential primary “signals the opening of a new and more remarkable chapter in the history of our dear nation, Nigeria.”

In a statement in Akure yesterday by his media aide, Chief Wole Iroaye, the former ambassador said, “the resounding and overwhelming victory of Bola Ahmed Tinubu at the just concluded National Convention of our great party was most deserving by all parametres.”

He recounted the enormous sacrifices the APC candidate has made since 1999, saying his choice would further unite the nation across the six geo-political zones and beyond religious divides.

“Indeed, Nigeria our dear nation, could not have a better personality who is eminently qualified to take over as president in 2023, with a deep commitment to true nation building, unusual maturity, honesty, dedication, statesmanship, selflessness and indiscriminate personal sacrifices.”

Iji, who was the pioneer chairman of the defunct Action Congress of Nigeria in Ondo State, said Tinubu possesses the leadership qualities that “all our diverse peoples comprising over 250 ethnic groups across the states, will look up to full of hope.”

He lauded the former Lagos State governor for the most exemplary and wonderful manner he transformed the socio-economic landscape of Lagos State into Nigeria’s richest and most prosperous state.

The APC chieftain gave the assurance that Tinubu would deploy the same expertise to transform Nigeria to Africa’s best economy and most formidable regional power and voice among the comity of nations when elected.

Speaking in the same vein, a former National Chairman of the APC, Adams Oshiomhole, also congratulated Tinubu on his victory at the presidential primaries of the party.

Oshiomhole, in a congratulatory message in Abuja, yesterday, expressed confidence that Tinubu would sweep the 2023 presidential poll.

He described Tinubu as a household name, a cherished personality and a beloved brand, who most Nigerians have come to recognise as synonymous with infrastructure development, wealth creation and human empowerment.

The former Edo State governor also identified gender equality, poverty alleviation, human rights, religious tolerance, building bridges of cooperation and mutual respect among Nigerians as some of Tinubu’s attributes.

He argued that Tinubu’s victory was a reaffirmation of his much-acclaimed unique capacity to headhunt, mobilise, motivate and empower the best minds, irrespective of their tribe or religion, and use their combined creative efforts to translate his vision into reality.

He added: “This is a key asset of leadership that you possess, which over the years, has differentiated you from others and positioned you well above your contemporaries.

“Although it was clear to many of us from the onset, that you possess all it takes to lead this country at the expiration of President Muhammadu Buhari’s tenure, taking into consideration your antecedents and the sacrifices you have made for our party, we are nonetheless gratified by the level of goodwill and overwhelming acceptability that you enjoy among our party faithful from across the country which translated into votes during the primary convention.

“You represent a movement, a force, full of energy and radiating hope of a brighter future to come, when Nigerians hand over to you the baton of leadership, which you are well prepared for and ready to accept with all its attendant responsibilities.”

“I have no doubt that Nigerians, no matter their political persuasions, will readily recognise your unique abilities and accept you as the right person needed at this momentous time, to lead this nation and transcend all extant challenges.”

On his part, a former Imo State governor, Dr. Ikedi Ohakim has described Tinubu’s emergence as the presidential candidate of the APC as well deserved.

In a congratulatory message he personally signed, Ohakim stated that Tinubu’s victory was reassuring, adding that it marks an epochal moment in the collective history of Nigerians as a people.

According to him, it also signifies a quantum leap in our march to a true democratic culture that provides all with the opportunity to choose and be chosen.

He consequently implored members of the party and their supporters across the country to rally round Tinubu, even as he wished him and the party an exciting electioneering campaign period.

The Coalition of Muslim Women for Asiwaju (COWMA) has also felicitated with Tinubu for emerging as presidential candidate of his party.

In a statement yesterday by its chairperson, Rasheedah Adebari, COWMA expressed its readiness to mobilise Muslim women to support his ambition in the forthcoming presidential election.

The statement read in part: “For the past two months, COMWA has been mobilising Muslim women all over the country, and have shown their unflinching support for Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu. Muslim women as home and nation builders are not only verifying and getting their PVCs but mobilising other women and youth to do so as well.

“We firmly reiterate our active support for Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu and we pray that he attains the position of the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria in sound health and safety come May 2023.

“We thank all our members and well wishers for supporting and believing in the dreams of our mentor Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu. May we all come out victorious in all our endeavours.”

For a former Senate Leader, Victor Ndoma-Egba (SAN), Tinubu’s victory was a proof of his acceptance across the country.

In a statement he personally signed, Ndoma-Egba said: “I heartily congratulate Asiwaju Bola Tinubu on his overwhelming victory at the presidential primaries of our party, the APC and his subsequent emergence as our presidential candidate for the forthcoming 2023 presidential election.

“This victory is a testament to your wide acceptance across the length and breadth of our country. This is so because for well over three decades, you have bestrode the political landscape of Nigeria exhibiting strong leadership and mentoring acumen that has swelled the ranks of your mammoth followership. Your uncommon courage, strong passion and infectious patriotism, coupled with your steely determination had left no one in doubt that you have a mission to drive our quest for a more secure and prosperous Nigeria. That mission shall soon be fulfilled to the glory of God and the good of our nation.

“I enjoin you to use this victory to re-energise and re-position the APC for the tasks ahead. Continue to be the consummate political leader that you have been to many, for the good of the majority.

“I also wish to congratulate President Muhammadu Buhari and the leadership of the APC as well as all the other presidential contestants for contributing to make the Special National Convention and Presidential Primaries of our party a resounding success, to the palpable disappointment of the opposition. God bless you all.”

Similarly, former governor of Imo State, Senator Rochas Okorocha, has congratulated Tinubu, wishing him success in next year’s general election.

In a statement yesterday signed by his Special Adviser, Sam Onwuemedo, the former governor, who contested the APC presidential primary, said Tinubu’s victory was corollary to victory in next year’s poll.

Okorocha commended those who made Tinubu emerge.

The statement read in part: “Senator Okorocha wishes Asiwaju success as he flies the presidential flag of the APC in the 2023 elections.

“Okorocha commends all those who participated in the APC party primary for its presidential ticket.”