President Muhammadu Buhari has assured the presidential candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu is competent to address the challenges facing the nation if elected.
He rallied Nigerians to vote en masse for Tinubu and his running mate, Senator Kashim Shettima.
A visibly happy President Buhari addressed the massive crowd that turned out for the Grand Finale of the APC Presidential Campaign Council at the Teslim Balogun Stadium, Surulere, Lagos.
The massive crowd thronged the main bowl of the stadium as early as 9am.
A peaceful rally saw the security personnel manning all sections of the stadium and maintaining law and order.
Petty traders took the opportunity to make fortune from their goods.
There were several musicians – from the southern and northern part of the country, entertaining the crowd.
Nollywood stars, clad in Tinubu and Sanwo-Olu customised wears, came in numbers.
Supporters of various senatorial, House of Representatives and Assembly candidates were in an excited mood, singing and dancing round the main bowl. They displayed the banners and placards of their candidates.
President Buhari raised the hands of Tinubu and his running mate, Shettima, to signify his endorsement of their candidacy.
He also raised the hand of Lagos Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu for re-election for a second term in office.
He said in his short remarks: “I have the honour to raise the hands of the next president of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (Tinubu) and the governor of Lagos State, Babajide Sanwo-Olu for re-election. Congratulations, and I wish APC the best.”
APC National Chairman Abdullahi Adamu described the Lagos rally as symbolic.
According to him, Buhari decided to honour Tinubu, whom he described as the president-in-waiting, by escorting him back to his state despite returning from an international event on Monday.
He noted the former Lagos Governor would build on the legacies of President Buhari.
Tinubu thanked President Muhammadu Buhari for keeping his promise to give the youths the future of Nigeria.
“You worked hard to achieve greatness; you also want your successor to work hard, be transparent and follow the rule of law. You exemplified this by allowing democracy to thrive during the presidential primary where I emerged.
”You decided not to alter my candidacy because of my religion and tribal affiliations. You celebrated my victory and promised to lead my campaign. I cannot thank you enough. I promise you to sustain and improve upon your achievements,” he said.
Tinubu also promised to sustain the hope of a better Nigeria laid down by Buhari, saying “the renewed hope manifesto will be pursued vigorously with all my energy. As you work hard for me, I will work hard for you.”
(The Nation)