TheCable

Bola Tinubu, a chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), says his party will continue to work towards ensuring Nigerians are happy.

He spoke on Saturday evening, after visiting three traditional rulers in Ogun state.

Tinubu was at the palaces of Adedotun Gbadebo, the Alake of Egbaland; Sikiru Adetona, Awujale of Ijebuland; and Kehinde Olugbenle, the Olu of Ilaro and ruler of Yewaland.

According to him, he visited the traditional rulers to inform them of his decision to contest the presidency in 2023.

Addressing journalists after the visit, he said Nigerians need to understand that there would be difficult times, but that his focus will be on ensuring that people are happy.

“My message to all Nigerians is that there will always be difficult times and there will be times for joy,” he said.

“We are navigating Nigeria through a very difficult and windy period. We will survive it. We will be happy. We will hold onto the hope that Nigeria will be united, prosperous and sufficient in benefits for the people. We will make Nigerians happy.”

Speaking at the palace of the Olu of Ilaro, he said Nigeria has what it takes to excel.

“It is important to sow the seed of leadership for the nation. We have what it takes — the land, brains, resources,” he said.

Speaking after his visit to the Alake of Egbaland, the former governor of Lagos also explained why he first informed President Muhammadu Buhari of his decision to run for president.

“I told the president I want to replace you and I don’t want to offend you. I told the president that I want to step into his shoes, but not step on his toes,” he said.

“I told him as the number one citizen, I should start my presidential bid by informing him first, and he told me to inform the whole world, and I have done that.

“I will continue to tell and consult Nigerians and international partners about my presidential ambition.

“I have done crusades to return Nigeria to democratic rule before I started hearing the voices of the people that I should contest for president.

“I have thought about it deeply, but I cannot think about it alone. The people said, this time around, I should run for the president of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.”