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Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, former Lagos state governor and national leader of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) on Monday visited President Muhammadu Buhari in Aso Villa where he informed him of his intention to contest the presidential election in 2023. Shortly after the meeting, he fielded questions from journalists on his mission and other issues of national importance. TEMIDAYO AKINSUYI who monitored the session brings the excerpts:
Could you please tell us the reason why you are here (Aso Villa)?
I will not answer that question when I have not lost my citizenship. I came to see the President on general issues concerning Nigeria, including our political party, APC, security issues, the achievement and the New Year Agenda. That’s all I can tell you. The new strategy that we must have party Congresses and all that.
President Buhari recently said he does not want to divulge his favourite for the APC 2023 presidential ticket. Nigerians will like to know, have you informed your President because they are urging you to come out and contest. Have you informed him about your ambition?
I answer that with categorical yes. I have informed the President of my intention but I have not informed Nigerians yet. I’m still consulting. And I have no problem consulting. And I’ve not set a parameter of limitation to the extent of how many people will I consult. You will soon hear, all you want to hear is the categorical declaration. You’ve gotten that truth from me that I have informed Mr. President of my ambition, and you don’t expect more answers than that.
What was his response?
That’s our business. He is a democrat. He didn’t ask me to stop. He didn’t ask me not to attempt and pursue my ambition,. It is a lifelong ambition. So, why do I expect him to say more than that? You are running a democratic dispensation, and you must adopt the principles and the values and the virtues of democracy. That’s it.
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