By Aremu Sosanya
The National Leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Chief BolaTinubu, on Saturday said he went to inform President Muhammadu Buhari of his ambition to contest for the presidency of Nigeria first in order not to step on his toes.
Tinubu, spoke in Abeokuta, Ogun State, when he paid a courtesy call on the Paramount Ruler and Alake of Egbaland, Oba Aremu Gbadebo at his Ake Palace, where he informed him (oba) of his presidential ambition.
The APC National Leader, who earlier visited the Awujale of Ijebuland, Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona, said when he told the president of his ambition, Buhari told him that he should go and inform the people (Nigerians).
Tinubu, who is the holder of the tittle "Are Ago of Egbaland, said it was the people that asked him to contest for the presidency of the country.
He said,
" I contested the Senate at the youngest age ever, I won. I contested for the governorship, I won twice. Before that, I was part of the struggle for return of democracy in Nigeria. We supported several persons for several positions, the Governor, Senate, House of Representatives, Hoise of Assembly, chairmen of councils, councillors and help people in several political positions in the country.
"This time, it is the people that asked me to contest for the presidency of the Nigeria. When they started, I was not there and they had moved to several places.
"I have told the President Muhammadu Buhari that I want to step into his shoes and not his toes. When I told him, he said I should tell the world. That is what I am doing now. I need your prayers for the project.
"I am here to seek the support of Kabiyesi and the people of Egbaland not only to be the candidate of the APC but to win the Presidential Election and govern the country."
Speaking on behalf of the Ogun State Government, Mr Shuaibu Salisu, the Chief of Staff to Governor Dapo Abiodun, said the Alake Palace, was noted for producing president of the Nigeria from the colonial days.
The Chief of Staff said the governor, would have attended the event, but he was outside the country and had sent state delegation including commissioners and party in the state.
He said,
"This palace is a presidential palace. In the colonial days, a president of Nigeria sat here. In 2011, you were here, in 2015, you were here, in 2015, you were also here and you succeeded.
"Egba Nation, would play her role in Nigeria. This state serves as Gateway to Nigeria. Nobody can enter Lagos, which is the economic nerve centre of Nigeria without entering Ogun State. This state therefore, is a Gateway to fulfilment of destiny."
Responding to the request of Tinubu, Oba Gbadebo prayed God to grant his request. The monarch also prayed that it shall be well for Ogun State and Nigeria in general.
Tinubu thereafter left Abeokuta for Ilaro to visit the Paramount Ruler of Yewaland and Olu of Ilaro, Oba Kehinde Olugbenle for similar consultation on his ambition. END.
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