In the statement which he personally signed, Osinbajo said Tinubu’s “sterling contributions to our democracy and its progress stand him out.”
By Emma Ogbuehi
Vice President Yemi Osinbajo on Thursday congratulated former governor of Lagos State, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, on his victory at the All Progressives Congress (APC) presidential primaries which held at the Eagle Square, Abuja, on Tuesday and Wednesday.
In the statement which he personally signed, the Vice President said Tinubu’s “sterling contributions to our democracy and its progress stand him out.”
Tinubu won the election with 1,271 votes. Former governor of Rivers State and immediate past Minister of Transportation, Chibuike Amaechi, came second with 316 votes. Osinbajo garnered 235 votes to place third.
Osinbajo’s congratulatory statement reads: “I congratulate Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu on his victory at our party primaries and his emergence as the Presidential Candidate and Flagbearer of our great party, the APC for the forthcoming 2023 Presidential Elections.
“I also congratulate President Muhammadu Buhari and all leaders of the APC for a successful Special Convention and Presidential Primary.
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“For many decades, our Flagbearer has shown passion, patriotism, courage and determination in the cause of nation-building. His sterling contributions to our democracy and its progress stand him out. His wealth of experience will certainly be critical in our party’s continued efforts to attain a more secure and prosperous Nigeria.
“To all members of our great party, regardless of who you voted for at the primaries, we must now unite behind our Presidential Candidate and Flagbearer to ensure victory for our party in the 2023 elections.
As true progressives, we must remain strong and united in pursuing our collective vision as a party toward building a country that can provide a decent life and livelihoods for all our people.”
The relationship between Osinbajo and Tinubu has been frosty since the Vice President declared interest in the presidential contest.
Osinbajo served as Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice when Tinubu was governor of Lagos State from 1999 to 2007.
In the same primary election where Osinbajo came third, Senate President Ahmad Lawan, who the National Chairman of APC, Senator Abdullahi Adamu, earlier announced as the consensus candidate of the party endorsed by President Muhammadu Buhari to the consternation of many, polled a paltry 152 votes.
Pastor Tunde Bakare, who claimed that God anointed him the 16th president of Nigeria to take over from President Buhari scored zero vote, thereby making his God a liar.
