2023: Don’t give up on us, APC will do better — Tinubu

The All Progressives Congress (APC) presidential candidate, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, has appealed to Nigerians not to give up on politicians, particularly the ruling party, ahead of the 2023 general elections.

Tinubu, who admitted that there might be shortcomings on the part of politicians, emphasised that the expectations of Nigerians would be met when the party retains power next year.

Tinubu disclosed this, yesterday, in Owo, Ondo State, during the funeral service for Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu’s mother, Mrs. Grace Akeredolu, at Saint Andrew’s Anglican Church.

Tinubu said: “Thank God we are alive. There might be weaknesses and inadequacies in expectations. No one wants failure. You cannot give up on us. We will do better. We will contribute to the improvement you might want.”

Meanwhile, Akeredolu expressed confidence that his Osun State counterpart, Adegboyega Oyetola, would emerge victorious at the tribunal.

Recall that Oyetola is challenging the outcome of the July governorship election in which candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, Senator Ademola Adeleke, was declared winner.

Akeredolu said Governor Oyetola would “regain his mandate very soon, whether you like it or not. He is a man after my heart.”

Akeredolu, in a response to the homily delivered by Revd Stephen Ayodeji Fagbemi, said there were crops of politicians in the South-West the people could be very proud of, amidst the lean economy.

“We have listened to your political sermon. It was wonderful listening to the sermon. I will not contend with you, but I know as politicians, we are doing our best. It might not be good for everybody.

But Fagbemi, in his sermon, told politicians that Nigerian were suffering and going through a lot.

“Go to hospitals and schools and see what Nigeria is like. I encourage you to go to Federal Medica Centre (FMC) here in Owo to campaign and see what the future holds.

“The poor are getting poorer. Nigeria needs a change that will ensure safety and security in villages. We need a government that understands economy. Life is hard. Let our leaders be careful to help us move forward. The best place to start campaign is hospital,” the cleric said.

President Muhammadu Buhari, who was represented by Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, said the Ondo governor’s mother deserved to be celebrated.

“Today is a day of great joy. We have reached where we must celebrate one the greatest legacy. It is a time to celebrate Mama because of the great deeds. The life of Grace Akeredolu is a life worthy of celebration. She lost her husband at the age of 50, and lived up to 90. She brought up her children. She made a great effort at raising four boys….”

“She did very well, indeed. We must thank God because not only did she bring up her children well, and all of them are successful. What we must celebrate most is her service to God and mankind. We celebrate the life of a great woman, a woman who served God well and her community.”

The late Grace Akeredolu late Grace Akeredolu, who died in her sleep on September 15, 2022 at her Kopindogba residence in Ibadan, Oyo State, was interred beside her husband in Owo, hometown of Governor Akeredolu.

Dignitaries present at the event included Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Governor Adegboyega Oyetola of Osun State, members of the Ondo State House of Assembly led by Speaker Bamidele Oleyelogun, Former Ekiti State Governor, Kayode Fayemi and his wife.

Others were former Ondo Governor, Olusegun Mimiko, former Interim Chairman of the APC, Chief Bisi Akande, Senator Ibikunle Amosun among others.

(Guardian)