By Seyifunmi Odunuga
Oyo State Deputy Governor, Rauf Olaniyan has described the emergence of Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, the Presidential candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) for the 2023 election as the needed fillip needed by the party to build on the gains of the President Muhammadu Buhari led administration.
Olaniyan while congratulating the former Lagos State Governor said the manner with which the convention was conducted in a free, fair and transparent way is an indication of the readiness of the APC led government to a peaceful conduct of the 2023 general elections.
He noted that with the emergence of Tinubu, there is no gainsaying the point of his wide acceptability and long-term commitment to the Progressive folds which is worthy of emulation.
He added that the lesson for all to learn was that Tinubu wanted the ticket, worked hard for it and it was given to him by God.
Olaniyan commended the APC Progressive Governors especially, those from the Northern States for the resolve at ensuring peace and unity of the nation by insisting that power must shift to the South.
The Oyo Deputy Governor who recently returned to the APC fold after defecting from the ruling Peoples’ Democratic Party (PDP) in Oyo State further saluted the courage of other presidential spirants who decided to put on hold their personal ambition to serve the country by stepping down for Tinubu despite their efforts, vision and years of hardwork to make their dreams come true.
Describing those who stepped down at the Convention as true compatriots, he said those who contested till the end must also be commended for their efforts at deepening the country’s democracy.
Adding that all party leaders, members and all stakeholders must see the outcome of the convention as victory for all, the Igboho-born civil engineer expressed confidence in Tinubu to mend all factions and blocs to a formidable front ahead of the 2023 general elections, adding that Asiwaju’s emergence is already bringing back those who felt aggrieved with the party across the country.
He also saluted President Muhammadu Buhari, the party National leadership for showing leadership and providing the needed courage for the peaceful conduct of the primary.
Olaniyan said ”I am happy with the victory of Asiwaju Bola Tinubu. His emergence energizes my belief in hard work and tenacity. He wanted it and worked for it. That many notable aspirants stepped down for him showed that he is loved. His emergence will, in no small ways, assist our party in the next elections. I congratulate him.
”I also like to congratulate those who contested against him. They have done well. We should all salute them, especially Vice President Yemi Osinbajo. He is another equally qualified and sellable aspirant but only one person will get the ticket. He has done well by contesting. He has helped deepened democracy. All of us should unite for victory.
“I congratulate us all. We are poised for victory in the next general elections and Asiwaju Bola Tinubu’s emergence as our party’s candidate has helped strengthened that.”
