Tinubu mum on 2023 ambition despite Kano Ulamas ‘support’

The National Leader of the All Progressive Congress (APC), Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Friday declined comment on whether or not he will be contesting for 2023 presidential election.

Tinubu, who was in Kano for the wedding fatiha of the daughter of popular Islamic cleric, Sheikh Muhammad Bin-Uthman, had met with Ulamas from various sects, who had promised to give him full support whenever he calls on them.

The Ulamas had recalled that he “helped” them in the build up to 2015 election by listening to them when they called on him to step down his ambition to become the Vice Presidential candidate for the APC in the 2015 election, a development they said contributed to the victory of President Muhammadu Buhari at the election.

While responding to the Ulamas, Tinubu said he will return to Kano with “commitment”.

However, when asked by journalists to comment further on the 2023 presidential election, he said he would not comment because he was in Kano for a wedding ceremony.

Earlier at the wedding Fatiha, Tinubu urged Nigerians to work harder towards the unity of the country, saying those plotting the country’s division will not stop.

“We must work harder for the unity and oneness of this country.

“The dividers will not stop in wanting to break us. They will not stop at plotting to divide Nigeria”, he said, adding that what is more important is the unity of all the various groups in the country.

Speaking during the event on Friday in Kano, Tinubu commended Bin Uthman for his efforts as a committed Islamic scholar towards the development of the country.

According to him, “When I was informed about the wedding Fatiha, I said I must come because of Bin Uthman’s commitment in promoting unity among Nigerians.

“Within 24 hours that I received the notice for the wedding Fatiha, I feel I must come, therefore I informed Gov. Ganduje that I am coming even if he is not around.”

Tinubu prayed for the couple, Naisa Muhammad Bin-Uthman, and Nuruddeen Adam, and wished them a happy married life.

In his remarks, Governor Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, said, “Looking at the calibre of people at the wedding Fatiha, it is a clear indication that Bin Uthman has been contributing immensely towards the promotion of Islam and unity of the country.

“I was having a programme outside the state, but when Tinubu told me he was coming to Kano for a wedding Fatiha, even if I am around, I cancelled my appointment,” Ganduje said.  (Daily Trust)