The Vigilante Group of Nigeria, VGN has endorsed the All Progressives Congress presidential candidate, Asíwájú Bola Ahmed Tinubu and his running mate, Senator Kashim Shettima for the 2023 Presidential race.
The endorsement was done in Abuja last Friday at the group’s 3rd annual VBN Week.
Senator Shettima represented Ahmed Tinubu at the event, which was also attended by , Dr AA Mai Agogo Secretary of the Special Duty APC Presidential Campaign Council, Hajiya Zainab Abubukar Ibrahim APC Deputy Woman Leader.
Others were Kabiru Ishaq Sa’id, DG Operation #iStandWithNigeri4Tinubu and Hajiya Safaa National Secretary Independent Campaign Council (ICC).
Shettima speaks at the eventShettima speaksDr Agogo welcomes Shettima
Members of the Vigilante Group of Nigeria at the event
The city of Jos, capital of Plateau state will host the flag-off rally of the APC Presidential campaign, according to a programme released on Wednesday night.
The rally will take place 15 November.
Plateau is the home state of Governor Simon Lalong, the APC Presidential Campaign Council director-general.
According to the programme, the campaign was kicked off on Tuesday 1 November, with the Town Hall meeting in Lagos between Asíwájú Bola Ahmed Tinubu and business leaders in Lagos.
More of such town hall meetings will take place before the mega rally in Kano on 11 February, 2023.
The Kano rally will draw the curtains on the campaign, as the party shifts into election planning mode.
Other highlights of the campaign are rallies in Imo on Monday 21 November, Kwara 22 Nov, Adamawa 24 Nov, Ogun 26 Nov, Enugu 26 Nov and Sokoto on 30 November.
In between the rallies are scheduled five town hall meetings, one of which will be with Interfaith groups in Abuja on 9 November.
The other town hall meetings will be between the candidate and various business and agricultural groups.
The All Progressives Congress’ 2023 Presidential Candidate Sen Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu and His Running mate Sen Kashim Shettima will visit Kogi State today to sympathize with victims of the flood disaster.
Onogwu Muhammed, Chief press secretary to Governor Yahaya Bello said Tinubu, Shettima and their entourage w will be received by the Governor Yahaya Bello and party supporters at the Muhammadu Buhari Civic Centre, Lokoja by 10am.
The visit was confirmed by the Presidential Campaign Council Secretary, James Abiodun Falake in a WhatsApp post on Wednesday night.
Yesterday, Tinubu donated N50 million to flood victims in Delta state.
He was represented by Senator Ovie Omo-Agege, who also pledged an additional N150 million in cash and relief materials to victims.
Addressing a mammoth crowd on behalf of Tinubu and himself in Effurun, Delta State on Wednesday, Senator Omo-Agege pointed out that the aviation strike halted the movement of the APC Presidential Candidate.
“Today, I am here wearing two caps. The first cap I am wearing is the cap of the governorship candidate of APC in the 2023 general election. The second cap is that of the coordinator of Bola Ahmed Tinubu Campaign Organisation in Delta State.
Vice Presidential candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Kashim Shettima, says 2023 election is payback time by the North to Tinubu, for his past support to the region.
Shettima said this when he visited the Hausa community in Alaba-Rago, in Iba Local Council Development Area (LCDA), on Wednesday in Lagos.
He urged them to vote for the party’s presidential candidate, Senator Bola Tinubu.
Shettima was accompanied by Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State, Governor Abdullahi Ganduje of Kano State, Lagos APC Chairman, Cornelius Ojelabi, and all Arewa leaders in Lagos.
He said that Tinubu made Muhammadu Buhari President in 2015 by giving him bloc votes from the South-West, a feat he repeated in 2019.
Shettima further said that Tinubu provided the platform for Atiku to contest presidential election when Atiku was chased out of PDP, same thing he did for Nuhu Ribadu.
”We are people of honour, we should honour our pledge and promise. This is payback time for the North to support Tinubu,” Shettima said.
Ganduje said that as far as the north was concerned, ‘the issue of Tinubu is concluded’.
”Kano State wants votes from you for Tinubu. You have to promise us you will surpass Kano in your votes for Tinubu,” Ganduje said.
He said that Tinubu appointed non Yoruba indigenes into government when he was governor, describing him as ‘a real nationalist’.
Sanwo-Olu urged the Hausa community ‘not to be deceived’ and to vote for APC in the presidential and governorship elections.
Sanwo-Olu said that the meeting with the community was part of the party’s political discussions with non-indigene groups residing in Lagos State.
He thanked the Hausa community for supporting the efforts of Lagos State Government, as government scaled up infrastructure and amenities in the LCDA.
The governor also thanked them for maintaining peace while co-existing with other residents of the state.
He said that the administration would be completing the Lagos-Badagry highway soon, as the stretch toward Okokomaiko, the final stage, which would be completed by the end of 2022.
Sanwo-Olu said that the General Hospital currently been built in Iba would be completed in the not too distant future, then government would move inside Ojo and take up the Kemberi-Afromedia Road.
The APC Presidential running mate Senator Kashim Shettima gave the audience at Eko Hotel and Suites on Tuesday some mind blowing political takeaways as he dismissed both Peter Obi and Atiku Abubakar, who are in the presidential race with Asíwájú Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
Shettima said both Obi of the Labour Party and Atiku of the PDP have nothing to offer Nigerians.
To Obi, Shettima said:
“Leadership goes beyond glamourizing poverty. We won’t glamorize poverty, we tackle poverty. I won’t tell you I have two pairs of shoes or I have a single wristwatch. Leadership goes beyond spewing dubious statistics or showcasing a mediocre performance as the governor of Anambra State.
Shettima also sent a caustic note to Atiku:
“I respect Atiku Abubakar, but leadership goes beyond high-scale antics. A man who can’t unite his party, I wonder how he can unite a country.
“We are talking about artificial intelligence or big data or nanotechnology, but the training that an elder statesman got from Kano School of Hygiene was that of wole wole. The ability to sell bottled water doesn’t make one an expert on the economy.
“My parting shot is that Atiku Abubakar is not Abraham Lincoln; he is Ralia Odinga and come May next year, we are going to permanently retire the political tourists to Dubai.”
APC Presidential Candidate Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu listed on Tuesday eight areas he wants to focus on when elected next year as President of Nigeria.
He spoke at a town hall meeting with business leaders in Lagos. The event held at Eko Hotel and Suites.
“Allow me to share a few ideas that provide some insight into my vision for a more prosperous and secure nation where hope is renewed and despair rebuffed.
1. Regular Dialogue – All Nigerians must be invested in our better future. We must maintain the channels and spirit of respectful and productive dialogue. At times what I say may help you. Other times, what you say may enlighten me. We must always talk and confer with the best of intentions. Just as this open door policy is with me before the election, I shall continue to honor it after the election.
2. GDP Growth Rate: We must target double digit GDP to begin to reduce the poverty rate and I am determined to accomplish thua
3. Revive Industry: We shall bring the nation’s industrial policy to life. Key to this is our aim to create major and minor industrial hubs in each geopolitical zone. We shall not be satisfied by bolstering traditional sectors. We will foster productive excellence in new areas such as light manufacturing and the Nollywood entertainment sector. Through active participation in the digital economy, we shall make Nigeria a leader, instead of a bystander, in the fourth industrial revolution.
4. Promote Agriculture: We shall continue to press reforms in the sector that will increase productivity, improve farm incomes while lowering food prices and bringing enough food to the tables of ordinary people.
5. Power Nigeria: I am determined to give you the affordable and reliable power you need to drive your businesses in a way that lifts the entire economy.
6. Produce and buy Nigerian: We seek a consumer credit revolution, working in concert with the banking industry lead by the CBN. Credit at affordable rates enables the purchase of more cars and the construction of more homes. The standard of living shall rise and the strength of the business sector shall increase in similar measure.
7. Build Nigeria: We must continue with the expansion of infrastructure commenced by the current government From our roads and ports that will path the way to more commerce, to improvement in irrigation and water management/catchment systems to stem the humanitarian and economic tragedy visited on us by seasonal flooding.
8. I have saved the single most important point for last. May I conclude with my thoughts on security.
“We shall continue the fight against insecurity by redefining our counterinsurgency doctrine and practice. Our response to terror, kidnapping and violent criminality will be defined by the following elements:
a. We shall enlist more people in the armed forces, security services and the police.
b. Our forces will be given better tactical communications, mobility as well as improved aerial and ground surveillance capacity.
“Through these and other measures, we shall better identify, monitor, track, and defeat these evil groups where they are. They shall have no respite until they surrender or are utterly defeated,” he added.
Vice-Presidential candidate of the All Progressives Congress, APC, Senator Kashim Shettima, has said if elected in 2023, the Asiwaju Bola Tinubu-led government will end insurgency within six months and one year.
He said this during a Townhall meeting between Tinubu and the business community in Lagos.
“Within six months and one year, my leader (Tinubu) will mobilise the leadership to end this madness,” he said.
Shettima likened the presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, to the leader of Opposition in Kenya, Raila Odinga.
Odinga has contested a series of elections, but lost, including the presidential election of this year won by President William Ruto.
“I respect Atiku but a man that cannot unite his party cannot lead the country. He is not Abraham Lincoln, he is Raila Odinga. And we will retire him politically in 2023,” he said.
The Presidential candidate of the party, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, also said if elected in 2023, his administration will enlist more people in the armed forces, security services and the police as part of measures to tackle insecurity.
He said his administration will continue the fight against insecurity by redefining the country’s counterinsurgency doctrine and practice
“We shall enlist more people in the armed forces, security services and the police. Our forces will be given better tactical communications, mobility as well as improved aerial and ground surveillance capacity.
“Through these and other measures, we shall better identify, monitor, track, and defeat these evil groups where they are. They shall have no respite until they surrender or are utterly defeated,” he added.
All Progressives Congress Presidential Candidate, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, has again restated his plans to to give Nigeria a double-digit growth if he wins the 2023 presidential election.
Tinubu stated this on Tuesday during his Townhall meeting with the Business Community and Organised Private Sector at Eko Hotel and Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos.
The town hall session had in attendance the Vice Presidential candidate, Senator Kashim Shettima, Governors Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Simon Bako Lalong who is also the Director-General of the APC Presidential Campaign Council, Atiku Bagudu, Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq, Abubakar Badaru, Dapo Abiodun, Adegboyega Oyetola, Nasir El-Rufai and Abdullahi Ganduje as well as other party leaders and chieftains.
The business community was fully represented with President of Dangote Group, Aliko Dangote, Jim Ovia, Chairman of Zenith Bank, Tony Elumelu, Chairman of UBA, Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede, former Chief Executive of Access Bank, Herbert Wigwe, Group Chief Executive of Access Bank and other business leaders representing sectoral groups such as agriculture, Oil and Gas, Trade, Manufacturing, creative Sector among others.Tinubu with APC governors in LagosTinubu with Kashim Shettima at the Lagos Town Hall meeting
The APC presidential candidate laid out his Action Plan before the business leaders. Tinubu said having achieved similar economic success as Lagos State governor, he has the capacity to repeat the same in the country as president.
He said, “Lagos is an appropriate venue for this meeting.
“You may have heard that I was once governor of this dynamic economic force. However, may I remind you that when I first entered office, Lagos was a different story.
“My team and I developed a blueprint, a master plan, for Lagos. I can say that plan has been largely successful.
“We turned this state into a safer, more prosperous place where people can go about any legitimate vocation or venture regardless of their ethnicity, religion, region or prior social station.
“We did more than open Lagos for business. We opened the door for all Nigerians to join and experience the decent things progressive democratic governance can bring.
“We were not perfect but we did a lot.
“In doing so, we worked hand in hand with the business community as partners sharing the same goals of prosperity and renewed hope.
“Well, as you might have heard at some point recently, I now stand before you, seeking a bigger yet similar job.”
He therefore called on the Lagos Business Community to join hands with him to achieve this, stating that a viable economy requires collaboration between the political and business communities.
“Nigeria stands at the threshold between indifference and greatness, prosperity and poverty, the future and the past.
“The door is ajar. Together, let us open it so that we may cross over to the better side and secure for this beloved nation its finer destiny.
“The productive and beneficial things we seek do not lie in the sole domain of one sector. They reside in the cooperation between government and the private sector.
“I see no conflict between the business community and government. Yet, with equal conviction, I believe the private sector and government should constantly be at war.
“But they wage this battle not as enemies. They must stand as inseparable allies combating the mutual enemies of scarcity, underdevelopment, joblessness and the fear these bad things breed.
“The pragmatic problem solving and teamwork that improved Lagos, I want to bring to this nation.
“I ask your help as the task ahead is doable but also difficult,” he added.
He empathised that the nation needed to move from dependence on exporting its raw materials to nations who sell the finished products to us at exorbitant prices to one that refines its raw materials for upward export itself.
Praising the President Muhammadu Buhari-led administration for its patriotism and commitment, he itemised his administration plans to build on their achievements.
These, he said include reviving dead industries, promote agriculture, provide power, produce and use made in Nigeria goods, build infrastructure and most importantly improve the country’s security.
“From its very inception, our political economy has been imbalanced and in need of major reform. Our political economy is much too dependent on the export of raw material or unfinished goods and the import of increasingly expensive finished products. Over the course of the time, gains from natural resource exports will prove largely insufficient to meet the rising costs of imports let alone support even the most basic demands of modern democratic governance.
“The time is now to cure this lapse. And time is of the essence for it does not wait for man or nation.
“We commend the work of prior administrations, especially the present government. This government has performed with patriotism and commitment during trying times.
“We simply must go farther and faster. My experiences in both the private sector and elective office afford me a special appreciation of the economic potency that close collaboration between government and the business community can bring.
“Allow me to share a few ideas that provide some insight into my vision for a more prosperous and secure nation where hope is renewed and despair rebuffed.
1. Regular Dialogue – All Nigerians must be invested in our better future. We must maintain the channels and spirit of respectful and productive dialogue. At times what I say may help you. Other times, what you say may enlighten me. We must always talk and confer with the best of intentions. Just as this open door policy is with me before the election, I shall continue to honor it after the election.
2. GDP Growth Rate: We must target double digit GDP growth to begin to reduce the poverty rate and I am determined to accomplish this
3. Revive Industry: We shall bring the nation’s industrial policy to life. Key to this is our aim to create major and minor industrial hubs in each geopolitical zone. We shall not be satisfied by bolstering traditional sectors. We will foster productive excellence in new areas such as light manufacturing and the Nollywood entertainment sector. Through active participation in the digital economy, we shall make Nigeria a leader, instead of a bystander, in the fourth industrial revolution.
4. Promote Agriculture: We shall continue to press reforms in the sector that will increase productivity, improve farm incomes while lowering food prices and bringing enough food to the tables of ordinary people.
5. Power Nigeria: I am determined to give you the affordable and reliable power you need to drive your businesses in a way that lifts the entire economy.
6. Produce and buy Nigeria: We seek a consumer credit revolution, working in concert with the banking industry lead by the CBN. Credit at affordable rates enables the purchase of more cars and the construction of more homes. The standard of living shall rise and the strength of the business sector shall increase in similar measure.
7. Build Nigeria: We must continue with the expansion of infrastructure commenced by the current government From our roads and ports that will path the way to more commerce, to improvement in irrigation and water management/catchment systems to stem the humanitarian and economic tragedy visited on us by seasonal flooding.
8. I have saved the single most important point for last. May I conclude with my thoughts on security.
“We shall continue the fight against insecurity by redefining our counterinsurgency doctrine and practice. Our response to terror, kidnapping and violent criminality will be defined by the following elements:
a. We shall enlist more people in the armed forces, security services and the police.
b. Our forces will be given better tactical communications, mobility as well as improved aerial and ground surveillance capacity.
“Through these and other measures, we shall better identify, monitor, track, and defeat these evil groups where they are. They shall have no respite until they surrender or are utterly defeated,” he added.
Buhari, North proved to me Nigeria can survive its unity, Tinubu tells Afenifere leaders
…presents Action Plan to Yoruba leaders
All Progressives Congress Presidential Candidate, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, on Sunday in Akure, Ondo State at the residence of Afenifere Leader, Pa Reuben Fasoranti, said President Muhammadu Buhari, Governors of APC from the North and other Northern leaders have proved to him that Nigeria can survive its unity and other challenges.
Tinubu made the statement during an interaction with Afenifere Leaders where he presented his policy document, Action Plan for a Better Nigeria.
Recalling his earlier visit to Pa Fasoranti on March 4th this year while he was on nationwide consultation before the APC Primaries, Tinubu said he promised the Afenifere leader that he would come back after winning the APC ticket.
Tinubu said he had come to fulfill his promise and asked Yoruba leaders to thank President Buhari and Northern Governors for their steadfastness and for being promise-keepers.
“The North proved to me Nigeria can survive its unity. Some people want President Muhammadu Buhari to announce someone but the President said No. He insisted the process must go on democratically. The President said anyone that would mess up the APC process would see the other side of his eyes. He remained upright and saw to the process to the end.
“Northern APC Governors resolved that the Presidency must go to the South and especially South West. Governor Nasir El-Rufai, Abdullahi Ganduje and others supported me to the end. The battle was tough and at a point I was in doubt. There were many rumours and I became confused of what to believe.”
Still speaking on President Buhari’s forthrightness and affirmation of his full support to make sure he wins the election, Tinubu said:
“President Buhari told me I promoted his name with the way I won the primary election because the process was clean and transparent and nobody can accuse him of manipulating the process. President Buhari said I gave him credibility and I deserved to be President. When I asked him to nominate the VP candidate for me, he said I should pick whoever I want and it is the reason I chose a competent man in Kashim Shettima who never lost any election and protected Christians in time of trouble in his state.”
While welcoming Tinubu and his entourage, General Secretary of Afenifere, Chief Seinde Arogbofa, charged Tinubu to be a leader that will unite Nigeria and work for the progress and development of the country.
“You are not just a Yoruba man but a Nigerian. When you become President take Nigeria into consideration in all you do but never forget home. Our demands are what you know already. Restructuring, security and fixing the economy. Our country is no longer safe. We want state police so that the country will be safe.”
Deputy Governor of Ondo State, Hon. Lucky Aiyedatiwa, who received Tinubu and his delegation on behalf of Governor Rotimi Akeredolu said Ondo State people are Afenifere and will support Tinubu to win.
“Asiwaju has the reach, the competence to lead Nigeria,” the Deputy Governor said.
In his remark, Ekiti State Governor Biodun Oyebanji assured the Yoruba leaders that all the governors of South West and Ekiti people are solidly behind Tinubu.
“We are happy to receive our leader, Asiwaju Tinubu, today. I want to assure him and our fathers that we will support him to the end.
Former Secretary of the Government of the Federation, Chief Olu Falae, and Afenifere leader charged the APC presidential flagbearer to work to fix the economy. Chief Falae decried the falling value of the Naira, adding that he used all his life to serve Nigeria and at his old age he does not want all he used his life for to be wasted.
“When you become President please work to fix this country. We are here to offer advice. I am old and no longer looking for job. We need to fix security, fix our economy. Our naira is almost becoming useless and will soon become N1000 to a dollar. We must change that. I know your ability. We will always be here to support and I wish you well. We will be here when you bring the throphy home by the grace of God.
Leaders of Afenifere from the six South West State including Kwara and Kogi were present at the Akure residence of the Afenifere leader to offer support to Asiwaju Tinubu.
The roll-call of the Afenifere leaders in Akure who came to receive Asiwaju Tinubu and offer their full support included Retired Methodist Bishop, Archbishop Ayo Ladigbolu, Chief Arogbofa, Chief Pius Akinyelure, Professor Isaac Adewole, Chief Olu Falae, Otunba Gbenga Daniel, General Alani Akinrinade, General Olu Bajowa, Mr. Sola Iji, Dr Kunle Olajide, General Secretary of Yoruba Council of Elders, Senator Cornelius Adebayo, Senator Iyiola Omisore, Chief Bisi Akande, Dare Babarinsa, Chief Pius Akinyelure, Deputy governor of Oyo State, Bayo Lawal who represented Governor Seyi Makinde.
Others were Chief Segun Adesegun, representing former Governor Segun Osoba, Senator Tony Adefuye, Senator Dayo Adeyeye, State leaders of Afenifere and many others.
Tinubu Media Office
Tunde Rahman
Akure, October 30, 2022
All Progressives Congress Presidential candidate, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, will on Tuesday in Lagos meet with the business and the organised private sector leaders.
The meeting with the business leaders and captains of industry will hold at the Eko Hotel and Suites from 12noon. It will afford the economic players and thought leaders in the private sector to interact with the APC candidate and interrogate his Action Plan for Nigeria.
President Muhammadu Buhari on October 21, 2022 unveiled Tinubu-Shettima policy document christened ‘Action Plan for a Better Nigeria’. The document has enjoyed positive reviews across various segments of the economy since it was launched.
Secretary of APC Presidential Campaign Council, Hon. James Faleke said the town hall session was convened to allow Asiwaju Tinubu share his vision for a better Nigeria with various actors in the economy and allow for critical examination of the policy options contained in the Action Plan.
“Asiwaju Tinubu has a very rich private sector background and experience. He has abiding faith in private enterprise and its fundamental role in national development and economic growth. The private sector needs power, predictability and consistency in policy to drive investment and boost national productivity.
“The dialogue will enable Business Leaders to also share their insights and concerns with our Presidential candidate. The town hall will be a great avenue to sell Asiwaju’s vision for Nigeria,” Faleke said.
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