Asiwaju Bola Tinubu
Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, a former governor of Lagos state and Presidential hopeful on the platform of the All Progressives Congress, APC has concluded plans to dump the ruling party, if the May 30 primaries are schemed against him, a close associate of the renowned politician has said.
The associate who spoke on the condition of anonymity told a national newspaper that the development was the reason former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Babachir Lawal stated recently that Tinubu had plan B if APC primaries are manipulated against him.
Although, he noted that APC remains the primary platform Tinubu intends to actualize his dream of presiding over the affairs of the nation; other options including the SDP would be explored if the primaries come short of transparency and credibility.
“It is too early to ask if Asiwaju would leave the APC for another party. He is a big factor in APC, a party he helped formed, financed and nurtured into what it is today. We are not unaware of recent developments and attempts to insult a man who has paid his dues in the political evolution of this country. But that is not important for now. What I can tell you is that our leader, like other contestants, is looking forward to a credible process that would lead to the emergence of our flag bearer. But if that process is compromised, I can tell you for free that we will encourage him to explore other options.
“Yes, a lot has been said about SDP and Asiwaju. When we get to that bridge, we will cross it. SDP offered him a platform to become a Senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria years ago but for now, he is in APC and will remain there until circumstance dictates otherwise,” he said.
Tinubu is gunning for the sole ticket of the party alongside other formidable contestants such as Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, Rotimi Amaechi, Ogbonayya Onu, Kogi state governor, Yahaya Bello among others. In an interview with the media a few months ago, President Muhammadu Buhari had said that he would not reveal the identity of his preferred successor, lest he be eliminated.
It will be recalled however that the APC National Leader has recently assured that the party would remain united after its presidential primaries.
Asiwaju Tinubu, who was a former governor of Lagos state also said that the increasing number of people seeking the party’s presidential ticket is good for democracy.
Tinubu stated this view after a meeting with President Muhammadu Buhari, at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.
The APC leader, it was gathered, met with President Buhari at his official residence in the Villa, to pay him the traditional Salah homage.
Fielding questions from journalists on the fears being expressed about the unity of the ruling party, he said the party would remain intact and united after its presidential primary, pointing out that President Buhari had shown that he is in support of a transparent democratic process.
According to him, “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.”
Also asked to comment on the increasing number of aspirants on the platform of his party, the APC, Tinubu said it was in the best interest of the country, adding that it showed that leaders were not abandoning the country.
