Tinubu says he is ready to get into the mud with those who want to blackmail him out of the 2023 race – a mud sling
By Ishaya Ibrahim, News Editor
National leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Bola Tinubu, has served notice to anyone plotting to stand on his way of becoming Nigeria’s president to be ready for a dirty fight. In fact, he warns of getting into the mud with the fellow if it demands it.
Tinubu spoke when he visited Lekan Balogun, the Olubadan designate, on Sunday, at his residence in Alarere, Ibadan, according to NAN.
Tinubu was in the palace of the newly installed monarch to seek his blessing and support on his presidential bid.
Tinubu has other stronger words. He says no intimidation or blackmail can stop him from pursuing his quest for the presidency.
The 69-year-old Tinubu has said that it has been his long-term ambition to rule Nigeria as its president. But many statesmen including former heads of state, Ibrahim Babangida and Abdulsalami Abubakar, legal luminary, Afe Babalola and Ijaw leader, Edwin Clark, Yoruba leader, Ayo Adebanjo, have all ruled him out of the race on account of his age.
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But Tinubu said he won’t be distracted by those opposing him.
“Each time a Yoruba wants to be president, issues are raised, questions are asked and all sorts of hang-ups are encountered. We are at a crossroads. People are volunteering to confront me when they were asked who would confront the Lion of Bourdillon.
“I’m out to become the president of Nigeria. No intimidation, no blackmail can stop me.
“I have read about a Greek philosopher that if you want to fight a pig, you must be ready to be smeared and I’m ready to be dirty,” Tinubu warned.
Balogun, who spoke through Kola, his brother, said the current situation in the country calls for a leader that will strengthen its unity.
The Olubadan designate said he had known Tinubu for a long time and as the governor who laid the foundation of the present Lagos.
“Yorubas are the leading light of Nigeria, our people contributed a lot to make Nigeria what it is and without the Yorubas, Nigeria cannot be where it is today,” Balogun said.
“But, it is very sad to note the ‘to your tent oh Israel’ that has of recent become the song of the people.
“We are looking forward to a Yoruba president that will further strengthen and unite the country come 2023.
“We need a leader that has national focus and acceptability. The road may be rough, but, by God’s grace, you will triumph.”
