The Vice President, Professor Yemi Osinbajo, stated on Thursday in Rivers State that regardless of the number of candidates vying for the All Progressives Congress presidential ticket, they must be willing to rally around and support whoever emerges as the candidate in the upcoming primary elections.
As he stated, there was no need for hostility among aspirants because the ultimate objective remained national unity.
According to a statement signed by his Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, Laolu Akande, on Friday, Osinbajo spoke in Rivers as part of his nationwide consultations with APC stakeholders and delegates.
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Osinbajo stated in rivers that the APC has the greatest potential to do the best for Nigeria.
In his call for unity, the Vice President noted that all those who had declared their intention to run for president under the APC were progressives.
He stated, “We are all progressives, and we share the belief that this country can be made better; that we can improve the lives of our youth; and that our nation can be a wonderful place.” Given the opportunity, each of us possesses this aspiration and is capable of achieving it.
“Everywhere I’ve been, I’ve emphasised that there is no need for any type of conflict, especially among presidential candidates. All of us, as candidates for the presidency, have worked or eaten together at one point or another. We are aspirants now, but only one person will emerge, and we must be prepared to work with that individual.”
According to him, the best candidate should be selected as the party’s 2023 presidential nominee.
The Vice President also remarked that the ruling APC had the greatest potential to advance Nigeria’s development and ensure its continued progress.
“We are, of course, completely in agreement that the party needs to be unified. To ensure the unity of the aspirants, everything necessary is being done and will be done.
“Our party is, as you know, not only the ruling party, but also the party with the most potential to do the best for this country,” he said.
Prof. Osinbajo disclosed the following regarding his consultations with the delegates: “Today, we spent more time discussing national issues and development issues; and we all agree that we have a great deal of work to do; we are willing and able to do the work.”
Before his interaction with APC delegates and stakeholders in Rivers, the Vice President paid a courtesy visit to the Rivers State Traditional Council led by the King Jaja of Opobo, Dr. Dandeson Jaja, Jeki V, Natural Ruler, Amanyanabo of the Opobo Kingdom, who also serves as the Council’s Chairman.
Informing the monarchs of his desire to run for president, he stated, “Our country is at a crucial juncture in its existence, and every nation faces its own difficulties. Our nation is currently confronted with some of its greatest obstacles ever.
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This administration has faced more security issues than any other administration. But I am confident that not only will we be able to face the challenges of today, but also the challenges of tomorrow.”
In his address, King Jaja of Opobo thanked the Vice President for his “good wishes” and for sending a representative to his 80th birthday party, stating, “That was very kind of you. Let us campaign peacefully, and let us not add to the difficulties we are already experiencing.”
