High Number Of Aspirants Good For Democracy – Tinubu
A presidential aspirant of the APC and former Lagos State governor, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, yesterday described the increasing number of people seeking the party’s presidential ticket as good for democracy.
Tinubu spoke with State House correspondents on Tuesday night after meeting with President Muhammadu Buhari at the presidential villa.
When asked about his opinion about the increasing number of aspirants on the platform of the APC, Tinubu said it is in the best interest of the country, adding that it shows leaders are not abandoning the country.
He said, “The more the merrier. The more they come, the more challenging it becomes for you to think deeply, focus on issues and be ready to serve Nigeria. It’s all about service, it’s nothing else. Think wisely, get committed to your thinking to serve the nation and bring progress and prosperity to the lives of Nigerians.
“It’s good for the country for so many of us to aspire to lead. We are not abandoning our nation. But there’s only one chair and one possibility. We will do that”.
On fears being expressed about the unity of the governing party, Tinubu noted that the party would remain intact and united after its presidential primary, pointing out that President Buhari had shown that he is in support of a transparent democratic process.
“We are sure that we will remain united. You know our symbol is the broom; you don’t break it as you go. Nigeria requires commitment, a uniform system and a stable country, and that is the only way we can be very proud of Nigeria.
“The president has shown a great example of leadership; gave us the freedom to say ‘you want to run, you want to attempt?’ Go ahead. He is a democrat and if we are running a constitutional democracy, you don’t hinder the desire, the wish of other people”, he said.
He congratulated the president on the successful Eid-el-Fitr celebrations across Nigeria, as well as his genuine efforts at confronting the challenges bedeviling the country for a sustainable future.