2023: El-Rufai leads Kaduna delegates in voice vote for Tinubu

Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai on Thursday led delegates of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in a voice vote to support the presidential aspirations of the National Leader of the party, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu.

The Kaduna delegates gave Tinubu their massive support when he visited the state in continuation of his tour around the country ahead of the APC presidential primaries.

The Kaduna delegates offered their support to the former Lagos state governor, saying he was “the first aspirant to come to us.”

While speaking, Tinubu described himself as the most qualified aspirant to lead the country in all the political parties having garnered enough experience in the fight for democracy and as Lagos State governor.

“Others are running without knowing where they are going, but I know my destination and it is the Presidential Villa,” Tinubu said, urging the people of Kaduna to follow him.

He pledged to end insecurity and banditry; ensure infrastructural development; boost agriculture with return of commodity exchange; revive textiles and other moribund industries and mobilise investments to create massive job opportunities.

“Under me (I am confident I will win), we would support you on all aspects of governance because you are a democratic people and you have a history behind you. With the history of progressives, you are ready for changes, development and to give confidence to your children.

“You must work twice harder for this government to remain APC. The broom has meaning that is associated with religion; cleanliness, hygiene and getting rid of thieves.

“Many of you are facing challenges of insecurity, going along with governance is an exceptionally difficult period for our nation but with a foresight, visionary and committed leadership, there is no way we would not overcome this struggle.

“I come to assure you that I am one of you; I identify with you and I am determined that with you, if given the mandate of our party; we will defeat all evils called banditry. That is why we are running.

“I am going to the Villa Insha Allah. I am running, I don’t have legs without you. You are my legs, my wings to get me there. I would not let you down.

“We have to ensure harmony and unity, unity of purpose.

“We joined hands together and we formed the APC; we didn’t fail. And we are not going to fail. Our broom will sweep them to the dust bin. They spent 16 years, we didn’t see the road. I know the road. You have been consistent in Kaduna. I know you will follow me, follow the man that knows the road,” Tinubu said.

El-Rufai also paid glowing tributes to Tinubu’s capacity, saying the resounding “yes” from the delegates shows he has their full support.

“You are the first presidential aspirant to come to Kaduna. I cannot be fully in your corner unless the delegates agree. I know Asiwaju, I know his capacity and I know what he can do,” El-Rufai said.

The governor asked the Kaduna State delegate if they are for Tinubu, to which they loudly responded “yes”. He also asked if anyone is against the aspirant and they responded with a resounding “no”.

The governor stressed: “We are for consensus. The people here would ensure that they stand by you. Our people appeared convinced and when the people of Kaduna give our word, we keep our word.”