By Bala Ibrahim.
In what may go as the unofficial flag off of his Presidential campaign, barely 24 hours after unveiling his action plan in Abuja, on Friday, 21st October, 2022, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the presidential flag bearer of the All Progressive Congress, APC, was in Kano to inspect some campaign offices, as well as have a formal meeting with the nobility, the business community and other stakeholders of the state.
Typical of Kano, in everything, be it cultural, commercial or political, it is always known to be in the lead, when it comes to reception, because, historically, the state has a reputation for a rousing and resounding reception of hospitality, more so, when like now, there is an intersection of interest.
In what looks like telling Asiwaju Ahmed Bola Tinubu that, Kano want’s to be the theatre to test your political popularity, immediately the plane of the Presidential candidate touched down at the tarmac of the Mallam Aminu Kano Airport, the run way became overran by a sea of people, who seemed to emerge from everywhere, singing and shouting the slogan, JAGABAN!
Yes, party supporters, in their adorable white gowns, virtually besieged every inch of the airport, in a manner that seems reminiscent of a festival, dancing and singing to the joy of the Jagaba’s coming.
To add colour the delegation, was the national chairman of the party, Senator Abdullahi Adamu, along with the cream of the members of the national working committee, NWC, including the northern and southern deputy chairmen, the vice chairman north east, the national organizing secretary, the national legal adviser and the national financial secretary.
Speaking to the thunderous ovation of supporters, Senator Abdullahi Adamu began his address at the commissioning of the new Kano Presidential/State APC campaign office, by reciting a short sura from the Holy Quran, after which he shouted, APC!, APC!, APC!!!. The audience responded with Progress!, Progress!!, Progress!!!.
After a short protocol, wherein he recognized the host governor of Kano and the visiting governor of Kebbi state, Sen. Adamu continued thus,” My very dear brother, the man of the moment, the in coming President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Alhaji Bola Ahmed Tinubu. Those of you who were with us at the national convention in June, may recall that the returning officers were counting: Tinubu, Tinubu, Tinubu. Bola, Bola, Bola. Asiwaju, Asiwaju, Asiwaju. Jagaba, Jagaba, Jagaba…..It is not over until it is over. We have no option but for victory. And for victory to come our way, we must work hard to earn it. No excuses because we are the party in government. And the opposition or whatever name you call it, wins election only if the party in government wills. We have 22 states today, so we have no reason whatsoever, no excuse whatsoever, for us not to deliver our states, not to deliver our President and not to deliver all the members of the national assembly and the rest. This is our prayers, and by the grace of God we shall coast to victory.”
On Friday, while unveiling his action plan, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu promised that he and his running mate, Senator Kashim Shettima, were more than ready to hit the ground running with actions that would transform Nigeria, once they are elected into office. He said his experience as Lagos State Governor, where he transformed the state to one of the leading economies in Africa, places him in the best position to help achieve this with his running mate:
“This Plan is not only a roadmap to a prosperous future, it serves as notice to the Nigerian people that, if elected, Senator Shettima and I shall work tirelessly to reach that promised future from the first moment of the first day we enter office. The doors to security, prosperity and greatness are open to us. We must step through these portals, guided by a torchbearer with the experience and mettle to shoulder the task ahead. Nothing short of this will suffice. I seek to become the next president of the Federal Republic of Nigeria because I know the way. My experience and past performance assure that. It will be through collective effort and national endeavour that we join hands, cross divides, and achieve our vision,”-BAT.
By the manner of their turnout today, indeed the people of Kano have demonstrated readiness to partner with the Asiwaju in his plan to lead Nigeria to greatness. And with a zestful and dynamic chairman like Sen. Abdullahi Adamu, championing the campaign, victory is nothing but fait accompli.