President Muhammadu Buhari has expressed his utmost optimism that he will hand over to the foremost presidential candidate in the country and national leader of ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu when his term in office elapse in 2023.
The President who spoke Wednesday while receiving in audience the Vice Presidential candidate of the APC, Senator Kashim Shettima at the State House, Abuja, said he had strong belief that the APC will win the presidential poll next year.
The meeting happened shortly after the VP Candidate, Senator Kashim Shettima was unveiled by the leadership of the Party and Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
In response to Senator Shettima’s, speech, Buhari said, “I will respond to your speech when I am handing over to you and your boss. God willing, you are going to win.”
He added further, “I wish you the best. Your consistency in the party is very respectful. You served your two terms as Governor and finished well. You have kept touch with your base. At every important occasion or event, you are maintaining support for the one who succeeded you. This is commendable”.
Earlier during the meeting, the Vice Presidential Candidate appreciated the President for his fundamental empathy, support and positive role, leading to his emergence as running mate to APC presidential candidate.
He showered encomium on the President for having a special place in his heart for Borno and Northeast, adding, “I can cite 20-30 instances of support you have rendered, for which you will be remembered.”
He listed the establishment of the North East Development Commission (NEDC) and the Independent Power Plant for Maiduguri by the NNPC, “after many years of darkness,” saying “words cannot describe our appreciation of your support, we will remain eternally grateful.”
He went on to request the President to appreciate his successor, Babagana Zulum who was in his company, along with the Minister of State, Agriculture, Mustapha Baba Shehuri, for spurning “recurring mention” of him and pressure from his Governor colleagues to bid for the Vice Presidential ticket.
The Candidate pledged to remain “loyal and devoted” to the President, promising that his Vice-Presidency will not be for the “troika of Hausa, Fulani and Kanuri,” but for all Nigerians, irrespective of ethnicity, religion or geographical place of origin.
