In pursuit of his presidential aspiration, Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo (SAN) on Friday visited the Olubadàn of Ibadanland, saying the seven years of political tutelage under President Muhammadu Buhari as Vice-President is enough credentials to qualify him to lead Nigeria
Persecondnews reports that Osinbajo had visited Oba Olalekan Balogun, a former Senator, to solicit his support and blessings for his presidential ambition.
The vice-president has been visiting states ahead of the primary of his party, the All Progressives Congress, holding at the end of May 2022.
According to him, he came to pay homage and get his support in his quest to take over from Buhari on completion of his tenure in 2023 May.
Osinbajo said he decided to contest so that he could put into use all the experiences he gained in the last seven years under Buhari.
“As you know, on April 11, 2022, I declared my intention to run for the presidency of our great land under the flag of our party, the great party, the All Progressives Congress. I did so while taking into account the fact that our country needs all of those who are willing to serve it to the best of their capacity and knowledge.
‘With great humility and sincerity, I come to your majesty, that after serving about seven years as Vice President, and also as acting, under our President, President Muhammadu Buhari, who truly gave me every opportunity.
“He opened up doors in a way that most deputies may not have experienced, and entrusting a lot to my care, including very sensitive positions.
“After all of that, I felt that it would be the right thing to do, to make that experience available to the people of our country.
By the grace of God and the will of the people, if I am voted in as the President come 2023, I believe that there is so much to do.
“The desire of our hearts is that our country will be much greater and will be able to attain all of the great potentials of our people,” he said in a statement by his spokesman, Laolu Akande.
He added:“During these years, our president truly gave me every opportunity to know all that the government was doing, including very sensitive issues and I, felt it would be the right thing to do, to deploy all those experiences under me to the service of the country.
“Nigeria needs those who are willing to serve, to attain her potential. Kabiyesi, I know that you are no more a politician. Though it is said that we are all political animals, but your position as the father of all, precludes ‘Your Imperial Majesty’ from being active.
“So, I covet your prayers and want to assure Your Majesty, that wherever I may be, your highly respected position is guaranteed.”
In his response, Oba Balogun wished the vice president good luck in his desire to contest the presidential race.
“We are proud of you and share your aspiration. Just let me hand you over to the Almighty Allah, to take total control and be with you and your entourage,” he said, praying for Osinbajo and his team.
Dignitaries who accompanied Osinbajo included Sen. Teslim Folarin (APC Oyo Central), Sen. Adamu Bulkachuwa, (APC Bauchi North) and Chief Niyi Akintola (SAN).
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