The Presidential Candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the 2023 general election, Asiwaju Ahmed Bola Tinubu says he is still in search of his running mate.
Tinubu stated this in Abuja while delivering his keynote address at an event marking the 60th birthday celebration of the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila.
The APC Presidential Candidate who showered encomium on the speaker for his contributions to his political ambition of becoming Nigeria’s President and democracy, also applauded the Deputy, Hon Idris Wase for being a reliable ally.
“As a Minority Leader, he consults widely and he’s always there to see the thinking of opposition that we must bring a revolution to the house to be able to beat the PDP. And then, he will brainstorm for any length of time that you want a lecture about political strategy. When we need to challenge for the position of the speaker, I think after our merger he worked me tirelessly, Femi is a workaholic. The problem of failure stared at him, he lost the election to become the Speaker. I was close to tears, standing my foot to the ground, we will win again. I am very proud of you and what you did, you didn’t give up,” Tinubu said.
Creating Opportunities
He said that life is not about education of one section of the society but creating opportunity for even children of the poor to access education and do well in the society.
“Remember what we discussed about paying the WAEC fee of omo iya oniboli (the Son of the Woman who roasts plantain), and my Mum was alive then, asking me to see to it each time I have her money, it doesn’t last.
And I said whatever you do with the money I don’t know. Mama will say no, those women there are Mothers, they want to pay WAEC fees. And Femi was one of the first I consulted about paying. Are we going to say that the children of the poor are not deserving of becoming Governors, Doctors and Engineers? I said I was afraid and he said do it. So that is how a junior brother can inspire a senior leader. Femi with your determination, reach you are a contributor to our democratic growth, thank you,” Tinubu explained.
He said “I could see a Deputy (Wase) sitting down there too, you are a very good symbol of unity, dependability, and honesty, thank you. Thank you for both of you, you’ve not rocked the boat. I will need to learn from both of you, how you made the pair work because I’m still searching for my Running Mate.”
In his remarks, Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila urged Asiwaju Tinubu to consult him in choosing his running Mate.
“As a parting shot, I would like to say you should consult with his younger Brother, but this time it won’t be for free.”
N.O
