Victor EzejaPresident Muhammadu Buhari on Monday joined the All Progressives Congress (APC) campaign train in Yola, the capital of Adamawa, to solicit support for the party’s presidential candidate, Bola Ahmed Tinubu in the February 25 election.
This was the first campaign outing of the president, four months after the APC official flag-off in Plateau State.
The APC Presidential Campaign Council last week Friday, listed 10 states where President Buhari will openly campaign for Tinubu before the February 25 presidential poll, and Adamawa is one of them. According to the timetable released by Festus Keyamo, the campaign council spokesperson, others are Yobe (January 10), Sokoto (January 16), Kwara (January 17), Ogun (January 25), Cross Rivers January 30), Nasarawa (February 4), Katsina (February 6), and Imo (February 14) as well as the grand finale slated for Lagos State on February 18.
Buhari who is also the Chairman of the Presidential Campaign Council of the ruling party thanked Adamawa State APC members for their unflinching support of him since 2015 and urged them to remain committed to the party and support its candidates at all levels during the February and March 2023 polls.
The president specifically told them to vote for Tinubu and his vice presidential candidate, Senator Kashim Shettima in the upcoming election, adding that the duo should be trusted.
He said: “I wish to specially thank you for reposing your trust in me and giving me your support during the last two presidential elections.
“I want you to continue with this spirit and remain loyal to our party the APC. I want you to support our candidates at all levels in the state and federal elections. You can trust Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the Jagaban of Borgu, our party’s flag-bearer and presidential candidate, together with his running mate, Senator Kashim Shettima.
“I want you to vote for them massively, retain the party in power at the centre, and also return Adamawa to the rank of the progressives.
“I want you to wholeheartedly embrace the message of “RENEWED HOPE” on which our candidates and party are campaigning,’’ the President said.
“I am delighted to be here today in Yola, Adamawa State, to be part of the campaign of our candidates for different offices in the country, starting from presidential to gubernatorial, national and state assemblies. It is All Progressives Congress (APC) from top to bottom.”
He also used the opportunity to seek the support of the people for the APC governorship candidate in Adamawa State, Senator Aisha Dahiru Ahmed-Binani.
He specifically told them to shun sentiments and make history by electing the first female governor in the country in 2023, noting that Binani has a track record of dedication to duty and service which will be an invaluable asset for the delivery of good governance to citizens of the state.
He said: “Let me remind you of the good fortune that is awaiting your State in 2023 after returning the APC to power at the federal level and electing the party’s candidate as your incoming governor.
“You have been given the opportunity to set a record in the history of Nigeria and the annals of democracy and politics in our country by electing the first-ever female chief executive of a state in Nigeria. You cannot afford such a significant opportunity that would slip through your fingers.
“I am, therefore, calling on all the men, women and youth of Adamawa State, the northeast and indeed the entire country, to support the candidature of Senator Aisha Binani and ensure her victory in March, 2023″.
The president advised the people, especially the youth to shun all forms of conduct capable of compromising the election as the world is watching the outcome.
“Let me now speak to the youths of our country, and Adamawa State particularly. I want you to know that you mean so much to us. Please remain loyal and patriotic citizens, learn from your elders and behave responsibly at all times.
“There can be no other place better than this country that promises so much to us and beckons us to greater prosperity.
“I want you to remain true to our ideals of decency, respect and accountability. You should bear your responsibilities seriously and acquit yourself well in all that you are called on to do.
“You should all come out and vote in the forthcoming elections, exercise your franchise responsibly and do not allow yourselves to be misled by vain sentiments and idle promises.
“Let me remind you and the entire people of Nigeria that the eyes of the world will be on you come February and March 2023. Therefore do not give in to temptation and allow yourselves to be manipulated,’’ Buhari advised.
Victor Ezeja is a passionate journalist with six years of experience writing on economy, politics and energy. He holds a Masters degree in Mass Communication.
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