Bola Tinubu, former Lagos governor, has stated why he wants to realize his life-long ambition of becoming Nigeria’s president.
Mr Tinubu declared interest in next year’s presidential race in January and has since been consulting stakeholders and lately, traditional rulers.
On Thursday, he went to Ekiti State to notify traditional rulers therein of his ambition and sought their supporters and prayers.
Addressing the council of traditional rulers in Ado-Ekiti, the state capital, the All Progressive Congress (APC) chieftain said the country is in dire need of a leader like himself who can unite the people, tackle insecurity and bring about the desired socio-economic developments.
He said he was in the presidential race to renew hope and set the pace for the next generation.
“We have struggled for democracy and today we have democracy but we are not stable yet,” Mr Tinubu acknowledged. “By now, we should have a good farming system and opportunities to produce for other nations to buy.
“We chose democracy and we must not fail in this task. I’m in this race to renew hope and make the future great for our children.
“For Nigeria to stand united and develop, we require patience and wisdom. We have to be united; that is the only way we can be great. That was why we formed APC based on principles.”
He cited his achievements in Lagos State as a case study.
“I want to tell you that Nigeria needs serious change. I knew how Lagos was when I took over and we had never failed any election.
“We believed that there must be democracy in Nigeria, there must be freedom and there must be opportunities.
“We have to collaborate, unite and promote ourselves instead of fighting. We all see what is happening in Ukraine today. We don’t need such experience here.”
Responding, Gabriel Adejumo, the Onisan of Isan-Ekiti and chairman of the traditional council, said the constitution permits every qualified Nigerian to aspire for any position.
Mr Adejumo prayed for God’s guidance and protection to help Tinubu realise his ambition.
