By Ishaya Ibrahim, News Editor
A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Babachir Lawal, has said that the party’s presidential flagbearer, Bola Tinubu, thinks campaigning in the South East is a waste of resources.
Lawal said this yesterday on Channels Television’s programme, Politics Today.
“During the convention, he (Tinubu) did not even allow us to go to the South-East,” the former SGF said while making the point that Tinubu does not stand a chance in the February 25, 2023 presidential poll.
“He said it is a waste of time and money. South-South is not his territory, so where is he going to get the vote,” Lawal queried.
According to Lawal, it would also be difficult for the APC presidential candidate to garner enough votes in the northern states considering that Atiku Abubakar, the PDP candidate is from the zone.
“I told my friend (Tinubu) before the ticket came up…(sic). I said if you’re going for a Muslim/Muslim ticket, the consequence is that every Christian all over Nigeria, would feel slighted. Not only in the country but every Christian all over the world would feel slighted and their religion insulted.
“So, my thinking is that Bola (Tinubu) would not get 25 per cent votes in Kebbi, Sokoto, Zamfara, Kano, Yobe, and Borno. In all the Hausa-Fulani states, he goes nowhere,” he added.
Lawal, a former strong supporter of Tinubu, recently endorsed the Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi after the APC presidential candidate ignored his advice against picking Kashim Shettima, a fellow Muslim as running mate.
Tinubu, who has been touring the country, visited Ebonyi in continuation of his presidential campaign rally yesterday.
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The APC presidential candidate during his visit to Ebonyi said he would protect the businesses of the Igbo people if supported and elected next year.
“I believe in the entrepreneurial spirit of the Igbo. I encouraged a lot of Igbo businesses and investments in Lagos and will even do more if I become president.
“If elected, there will be no discrimination. Igbo interests will be respected and protected. I will also encourage policies to aid commerce and support South-East states to reach their full potential,” Mr Tinubu said.