The All Progressives Congress, APC, presidential candidate, Bola Tinubu on Saturday attempted to douse the seeming cold war between him and President Muhammadu Buhari by currying his favour as he likened him to the great 16th President of the United States, Abraham Lincoln.
Tinubu made the comparism at the party’s rally in Lafia, Nasarawa State, amid cracks within the ruling party.
Top party chieftains, including the governor of Kaduna State hd recently voiced their anger and frustration over attempts by some APC members and “elements in the Presidency” to ensure that Tinubu loses the presidential election.
Also recently, at a rally in Abeokuta, the APC flagbearer had knocked hard on what he called wrong policies of the present administration. His outbursts had shocked the presidency.
He also claimed that the fuel scarcity and naira redesign project were artificially created to deny him victory at the February 25 presidential election.
Tinubu said in Abeokuta, “We will use our PVCs to take over government from them. If they like let them create fuel crisis, even if they say there is no fuel, we will trek to vote. They are full of mischief; they could say there is no fuel. They have been scheming to create fuel crisis, but forget about it. Relax, I, Asiwaju, have told you that the issue of fuel supply will be permanently addressed.
“Whoever wants to eat the honey embedded in a mountain won’t worry about the axe. Is that not so? And if you want to eat palm kernel, you would bring stone and use it to break it, then the kernel will come out.
“Let them increase the price of fuel, let them continue to hoard fuel, only them know where they have hoarded fuel, they hoarded money, they hoarded naira; we will go and vote and we will win, even if they changed the ink on naira notes. Whatever their plans, it will come to naught. We are going to win. Those in the PDP will lose.”
But in Lafia, Tinubu mocked those insinuating that he is having a frosty relationship with the President.
‘‘Those who think there are cracks in our friendship and relationship would continue to be disappointed and have their short times’ joy limited.
“Ours is not about the individual but about nation building, honesty, integrity and character,” he said.
Tinubu thanked the Buhari for being the ‘‘poster boy’’ of his campaign, fighting and working hard for the survival of Nigeria.”
The APC flagbearer further flattered the president in an obvious attempt to win his total support, which had been doubtful. “Because of constitutional democracy, we would have asked you to continue, but you said no, you are going back to Daura, your hometown.”
Likening Buhari to the 16th President of the United States, Abraham Lincoln, Tinubu praised him for remaining focused amidst distractions.
According to him, under his presidency, Nigeria will recover from all challenges because of the courage and resilience of its citizens.
‘‘We will work hard. We promise you that your children and grandchildren will have no regret about this nation and ourselves,’’ Tinubu said
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