Vice President Yemi Osinbajo has finally congratulated Bola Tinubu, former Lagos governor, on his victory at the All Progressives Congress (APC) presidential primary held recently in Abuja.
Osinbajo, an aspirant at the primary election, also called for unity among APC members, saying Tinubu’s sterling contributions to democracy stood him out.
The Vice President’s congratulatory message entitled, “VP Osinbajo congratulates Asiwaju Tinubu on his victory at APC Presidential Primary Election”, is coming more than 24 hours after the exercise.
Read the statement below:
“I congratulate Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu on his victory at our party primaries and his emergence as the Presidential Candidate and Flagbearer of our great party, the APC for the forthcoming 2023 Presidential Elections.
“I also congratulate President Muhammadu Buhari and all leaders of the APC for a successful Special Convention and Presidential Primary.
“For many decades, our Flagbearer has shown passion, patriotism, courage and determination in the cause of nation-building. His sterling contributions to our democracy and its progress stand him out.
“His wealth of experience will certainly be critical in our party’s continued efforts to attain a more secure and prosperous Nigeria.
“To all members of our great party, regardless of who you voted for at the primaries, we must now unite behind our Presidential Candidate and Flagbearer to ensure victory for our party in the 2023 elections.
“As true progressives, we must remain strong and united in pursuing our collective vision as a party toward building a country that can provide a decent life and livelihoods for all our people.”
Tinubu emerged the APC standard bearer after polling a total of 1,271 delegates votes to defeat his closest rivals, ex-minister Rotimi Amaechi and Vice President Yemi Osinbajo.
While Amaechi polled 316 votes to emerge second, Osinbajo scored 235 votes, coming distant third.
A total of fourteen aspirants were in the race, but nine stepped down, eight of whom asked their delegates to vote for Tinubu, while one channelled his supporters towards Osinbajo. About 2,260 delegates participated in the exercise.
