Ayu: Tambuwal prepared, experienced to run Nigeria devoutly, dispassionately

The National Chairman of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), Professor Iyorchia Ayu has observed that barring the lawful democratic procedure of the election of a presidential flag bearer of the party by its delegates, Governor Aminu Waziri Tambuwal would have been the choice of the party.

Prof. Ayu disclosed this when governor Tambuwal led his campaign organization to meet the National Working Committee (NWC) of the PDP at its Wadata Plaza premises in Abuja.

He described Tambuwal as one of the eminently qualified aspirants lined up for presidential primary election by the party, saying: “you’re one of those who are very, very well prepared with your experience in both legislative and the executive arm of government.”

He also referred to his legal background as a qualifier, stressing that if he is elected to fly the party’s flag, “you will actually run the country with the fear of God and the rule of law.”

The Chairman while expressing gratitude to the Governor for his efforts and contributions to the party at various levels over the years, recalled that “you midwifed the emergence of this NWC. We are your babies. But we have grown up now to be your (parents).”

According to him, Tambuwal is very familiar with many members of the NWC. “I just hope that they will not be biased in your favor. There are too many members in your constituency, including the Secretary and my humble self, who are all members of the National Assembly,” Ayu said.

He, however, stated that: “we as a National Working Committee, in spite of the pressure on most of us, we are working around the clock to make sure that we provide a strong platform, provide not just a level playing field but transparently follow the tradition of the People’s Democratic Party. We’ve never had a controversial convention and we’re trying our best to follow the footsteps of the previous administration.

“Rest assured that come 28th of this month, we shall all gather in a place in Nigeria and give you the necessary atmosphere to present yourself to the party delegates and your votes, the votes will be counted very openly as we always do and at the end of the day, if it’s the will of God and the delegates that it is you that emerges, we will also be sure that the party will be in a very safe hand.

“We will not only campaign vigorously for the candidate of the PDP but everything will be done to make sure that the party returns to power come February 2023.,” Ayu emphasized.

In his remarks earlier, Gov Tambuwal expressed his readiness to govern if elected by the delegates, stressing that he foots the bill to bear the party’s flag as he is a bridge builder that Nigerians need as for today.

“A bridge between the old and the young; and the bridge that will now continue to reconnect every part of this country. I believe I have all of those qualities.

“Our country has been divided as never before. Our economy is in shambles. The security ravaging the country has never been this bad. The general summation of the situation of the country is that we are inching towards a failed state. I’m not saying that Nigeria is already a failed state, but we’re inching towards that. Therefore, it is our responsibility to collectively work together towards rescuing our country, retrieving the country from APC before the deed is done.

“This country is looking for a unifier and I believe that with my experience, I ticked that box. I believe that if you look at my experience and my past in the National Assembly, where I spent 12 unbroken years, from being a member of House of Representatives, to Deputy Chief Whip, to Minority Leader, Deputy Chief Whip and the Speaker of the House, I built a network of friends across the length and breadth of this country. And, I do quite honestly, believe that I understand the dynamics of Nigeria. I understand this country very well and I have a fair knowledge of its peoples and their concerns. And I believe that I can be that unifier that all the tendencies in this country can accept as the candidate of our party, and I can be used by the party to win the elections convincingly.

“Mr. Chairman, from my track record, being a lawyer by training a Member of Parliament and governor as at today, I believe that I have the right experience in governance, not just governance but democratic governance; not just democratic governance, but also good governance; to tick that box that we’re looking for.