Prominent Nigerians, including Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar,  have congratulated Asiwaju Bola Tinubu for clinching the APC ticket.

Also, groups like the Conference of Nigeria Political Parties(CNPP  and Coalition of Southeast Youth Leaders, welcomed the emergence of the former Lagos State governor as APC flag bearer, saying they have no doubt that he would transform Nigeria if elected president.

Among them notable Nigerians were Senate President Ahmad Lawan; Speaker of the House of Representatives Femi Gbajabiamila, Governors  Rotimi Akeredolu (Ondo), Adegboyega Oyetola (Osun); Kayode Fayemi (Ekiti), Dapo Abiodun (Ogun),  Abdullahi Ganduje (Kano); AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq (Kwara), Muhammadu Inuwa (Gombe) and NNPP presidential ticket holder Rabiu Kwakwanso.

They said Tinubu’s  victory was a reward for hard work, doggedness, grit, political sagacity and, resilience.

Abubakar, a former vice-president,  described   the  APC  primary  as “a hard-fought contest.”

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He wrote: “Congratulations, @officialABAT, on your emergence as your party’s presidential candidate.

“It has been a hard-fought contest, but that you prevailed confirms your tenacity.”

He added in the statement titled: “Felicitation,” that the outcome of the primary had proved the popularity of the former Lagos State governor amongst APC members.

Lawan said:  ” The outcome of the election process has shown that Your Excellency(Tinubu) is the popular choice of our party for that assignment.

“I do not have an iota of doubt in the wisdom of that decision by our party’s delegates from across the country.

“Your glittering track record of public service, foresight and grit in party building and administration, as well as the courage you continue to demonstrate in fighting for the entrenchment of democracy in Nigeria make you worthy of the high esteem and trust of our party members everywhere in Nigeria as exhibited at the national convention.

Omo-Agege

Omo-Agege also expressed optimism that Tinubu would emerge victorious in next year’s presidential election.

While calling on the former governor to be magnanimous in victory, he stressed the need for all those who lost to join hands with  Tinubu and the APC  in ensuring victory next year.

The Deputy Senate President said:  ”With the transparent process that saw the emergence of Asiwaju Tinubu as our party standard bearer, I am confident more than ever before that this is the beginning of even greater tidings for our party.”

He also called on Nigerians to support Tinubu and other APC candidates at all levels in the forthcoming polls.

Speaker Gbajabiamila described  Tinubu as a dogged democrat who has the quality to lead APC to victory next year.

He said  in  his congratulatory message that the former governor’s victory was “well-deserved.”

Gbajabiamila added: “I congratulate my mentor for this victory. This is a victory for democracy and Nigerians as a whole. With the manner he went about his campaigns, Asiwaju has proved to be a hero of our democracy.

“From day one, he stood his ground that the APC must organise a free, fair and transparent presidential primary if it wanted to remain the party to beat. He advocated that and remained steadfast. This will make the party come out peaceful and victorious in the end.

Fayemi: Asiwaju, a long distance runner

In a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr Yinka Oyebode, Fayemi said  Tinubu’s emergence represented the collective wish of the vast majority of APC members.

He added  that the former   governor “has proven his dedication and competence to lead the country at such an important time in history.”

Fayemi who stepped down as an aspirant and endorsed Tinubu at the convention described the APC flag bearer as a “long distance runner,”, who has the capacity to lead the country to greater heights.

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He said: “It is a great moment for our party. I congratulate Asiwaju Tinubu for the well-deserved victory and the leadership of the party as well as the convention committee members for a great job.

“Collectively, we shall move from this convention venue with greater determination to strengthen the party and work assiduously for the success of the party in the 2023 elections.”

Fayemi, who is  the Chairman of the Nigerian Governors’ Forum, also lauded President Muhammadu  Buhari for “superintending over a free, fair, and credible process as national leader of the party.”

He congratulated the APC  leadership and the convention planning committee for the successful conduct of the exercise.

Akeredolu: Tinubu will calm frayed nerves

Governor Akeredolu,  who hailed Tinubu for emerging victorious,  said he was happy that the APC displayed a total commitment to the ethos of democracy and embraced the path of fairness and equity.

Akeredolu advised Tinubu to unite all contending forces    to enable the APC to retain power next year.

He  described the contest as a “brotherly scramble.”

His words:  ”The aspirants and leaders of our great party must now leverage on our political strength to build the party and reposition it for even greater victory.

“We must identify and underscore our challenges for the greater good of the people. The time for strives is beneath us. As the dust settles, we must form a common front and understand that victory at the general election is our collective target.

“It is time to justify our zeal and passion for the party. The instruments of the party must be fully deployed for the rescue mission of the nation. Let us expend our strength and reach to replete the party with brighter prospects. Ours is to plough not to plunder.

“Our struggle for the service of the people must reflect in our support and incurable commitment to unity geared towards the good of the people and the country at large.

He is leader of leaders, says Oyetola

Governor  Oyetola described  Tinubu’s emergence as a victory for democracy and a demonstration of his influence and acceptability, not only within the APC but across the country.

He expressed confidence in the capacity and competence of Tinubu to deliver victory for the APC next year.

Oyetola added in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Ismail Omipidan, that the former governor would deploy his administrative acumen to take the country to enviable heights.

THE NATION