Muhammadu Buhari, the presidential candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has described party leader Asiwaju Bola Tinubu as the man, whose sacrifices have made the party as much as it has done.
Buhari said this while inaugurating the Presidential Campaign Council, yesterday, in Abuja.
“I would like to recognise Asiwaju Bola Tinubu whose sacrifices, organisational skills and extensive political network did much to straighten and cement the blocks of the merger and then take APC to unprecedented heights of acceptance in important areas of the country,” the former of head of state said.
Earlier, he lauded the APC leadership and his co-contestants for the party’s presidential ticket. He also thanked those who worked for his emergence as the presidential candidate.
“With your permission, Mr Chairman, I would first of all like to thank those leaders who toiled and gave their all to make the merger that gave birth to our party such a great success.
“Let me seize this opportunity to first pay special tribute to the leadership given by Chief Bisi Akande to the entire enterprise. It is no exaggeration to say that APC owes everything to the leadership given, the tact, wisdom and fairness displayed by Chief Akande.
“In addition, I want to thank each one of you who have accepted to serve on Presidential Campaign Council. I have no words to thank you enough. Needless to say, your choice to serve on this council is in recognition of your dedication and commitment to the ideals of our party, and it is in each case on merit. I would like to thank all the colleague-aspirants with whom I vied for the presidential ticket of our great party for everything— for all the sportsmanship displayed, for gallantry in their concession, and in the promptness with which party unity was affirmed and restored.
“We must congratulate ourselves for one of the cleanest and keenest-fought political contests this country has yet witnessed. Our ability to sink whatever differences of opinion we have shows the level of our political maturity, and our capacity for growth. And the experiences, approaches, talents and skills that we have individually brought to the common party pool have that much enriched and strengthened our party as it embarks on its way to victory.
“Finally, I would like to thank Professor Yemi Osinbajo for accepting to bring his rich repertoire of experience and expertise to enrich a ticket that will be leading this country in the next few months. And just as our primary election was an example for the nation, so must our conduct of the campaign also be exemplary,” the APC presidential candidate said.
Buhari inaugurated the Presidential campaign council, which had 80 members and 11 directors,tasking them to give a sense of belonging to all stakeholders.
“Mr Chairman, ladies and gentlemen, it is now my pleasure and privilege to formally inaugurate the 2015 National Presidential Campaign Council of the All Progressive Congress (APC) under the leadership of His Excellency Chief Rotimi Amaechi, with the following suggested terms of references;
“To give a sense of participation and belonging to major stakeholders and engenders widespread support for the project. The body acts as a buffer between the campaign organization and the Presidential candidate and Vice Presidential candidate. The board identifies and resolves conflicts arising from the operation of the campaign organization.
“Needless to add, Chief Amaechi is a fighter who has never failed in any assignment, and every member of the presidential campaign council has been chosen on account of experience and expertise and proven track record. With such a team and with the unprecedented acceptance that the APC enjoys in all parts of the country, the question is not whether the party will defeat the PDP. The question is the nature of the landslide with which the clueless party will be sent packing. I promise you that the landslide will be unprecedented.
“And with suggested terms of reference as your guide, I urge you to put all your trust in God and the support of the people; and victory is yours. May God guide and bless the APC in its quest to rescue Nigeria. And to us, it is a done deal. Less than two years ago, APC was just a dream. It became a promise. Then it became a reality; and, today, it is a miracle—a miracle waiting to happen. And it will happen,” Buhari said.
