Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, the presidential candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), stated his “jittery opponents” were disseminating fake news to malign his name, but that this would not prevent him from winning the presidency in 2023.
According to a statement from the APC presidential campaign committee, Tinubu spoke via phone with a Kano-based radio station, Freedom Radio, while conducting the lesser hajj over the weekend.
Speaking against the backdrop of insinuations that the federal government under his leadership would eliminate fuel subsidies even if there were protests, the APC candidate said he respects citizens’ democratic rights to legitimately disagree with government.
“I couldn’t have objected to people expressing their own views on this. I believe in democratic ideas and practices that guarantee consultation. I appreciate people’s opinions and would not be a part of silencing legitimate protests or dissenting viewpoints.
“I am a protest veteran myself. So why should I advise people not to engage in well-intended protest? “There is no reason for that, and no abuse of power is intended,” Tinubu stated.
He assured citizens that their right to openly voice their opinions on government policies and actions will be protected under his leadership.
The APC candidate, on the other hand, stated that gasoline subsidies had outlived their usefulness because they help the rich more than the poor.
“I said I will ensure we halt the wastage and re-channel the money to the people who actually need it. This is one position on which practically all of the contenders agree. We all agreed that the subsidy system is overused and that it benefits the wealthy over the poor. It must be removed.”
Tinubu stated that the signals of his win in the upcoming presidential election on February 25 were evident, causing his opponents to become nervous and create fake news to malign his name.
“We are reaching out to every Nigerian. Rallies, we determined, aren’t always enough. We need to involve all Nigerians from all regions of the country and from all walks of life. We’ve hired business owners, farmers, miners, industrialists, entertainers, labor leaders, and more.
“By the engagements we are having it is evident that we are going to win this election. The signals are evident as the elections approach, which is why our opponents are nervous. They have now resorted to spreading fake news and misquoting some of my words in order to gain cheap points.”
Tinubu stated he was in Saudi Arabia on “a voyage for spiritual renewal. I enjoy coming to perform Umrah on occasion. It is a chance to communicate with Almighty Allah. We require his advice. Nigeria is in desperate need of prayers, which is why we have gathered here to pray for our country, ourselves, and society.”
In response to a question about his health, Tinubu stated that he is fit to perform the tasks of the presidency, adding that he also has the greatest ideas and capacity to administer the office.
“I told you where I was. I recently completed the umrah ritual. I completed seven rounds of tawaf and seven visits between Safa and Marwa. Is it possible for a sick person to accomplish that? My brother, it is old news. People who make those accusations have nothing but lies and nonsense to say.
“I have traveled round, presented at different stages and stood for hours to address diverse audiences. They are ashamed because before they stated I couldn’t walk, they said I couldn’t stand. I’ve had more creative ideas than anyone else since the campaign began. I have exhibited knowledge, experience, and a strong ability to stay on top of national concerns.
“And this work is about thoughts and issues concerning our country’s leadership. I have what it takes to be the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, and I am asking the people of the country to have faith and respect in me because of my past and previous duties. “I want to serve my nation, and I want to serve it well,” he remarked.
