President Muhammadu Buhari yesterday led the All Progressives Congress (APC) campaign to Adamawa, home state of the presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Mr. Atiku Abubakar where he urged the electorate to vote for the APC in 2023.
Speaking at a rally held at the Muhammadu Buhari Square in Yola, the president also advise the people to make history by electing Aisha Dahiru Ahmed-Binani as the first female governor in Nigeria during the governorship election on March 11, 2023.
The president said Ahmed-Binani had been a loyal party amazon and that her track record of dedication to duty and service would improve the livelihood of citizens.
He added that the governorship candidate had consistently worked for the welfare of the state over many years, adding that entrusting her with the office of the governor would further strengthen her to reposition the state for greatness.
“I am delighted to be here today in Yola, Adamawa State, to be part of the campaign of our candidates for different offices in the country, starting from presidential, to gubernatorial, national and state assemblies. It is APC from top to bottom.
“Let me remind you of the good fortune that is awaiting your state in 2023, after returning the APC to power at the federal level and electing the party’s candidate as your incoming governor.
“You have been given the opportunity to set a record in the history of Nigeria and the annals of democracy and politics in our country by electing the first ever female chief executive of a state in Nigeria. You cannot afford that such a significant opportunity would slip through your fingers.
“I am, therefore, calling on all the men, women and youth of Adamawa State, the northeast and indeed the entire country, to support the candidature of Senator Aisha Binani and ensure her victory in March 2023,″ he said.
Buhari also made a case for all other APC candidates in the election at all the levels.
“I want you to support our candidates at all levels in the state and federal elections. You can trust Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the Jagaban of Borgu, our party’s flag-bearer and presidential candidate, together with his running mate, Senator Kashim Shettima.
“I want you to vote for them massively, retain the party in power at the centre, and also return Adamawa to the rank of the progressives.
“APC for president! APC for Governor! APC for Senate! APC for House of Representatives! APC for Assembly members!’’ the president noted.
Buhari thanked the people “specially…for reposing your trust in me and giving me your support during the last two presidential elections,” and enjoined them to “continue with this spirit and remain loyal to our party the APC.”
Buhari said the APC had a vision of making Adamawa State more peaceful, progressive and prosperous.
“Your contributions in Adamawa State to our national development can be attested to by your output in agriculture, fishery, livestock, industry, manufacturing, commerce, mining, among others.
“Your achievements in the areas of education have made us proud and given us immense joy and satisfaction. Adamawa people are progressive in nature, and it is time to prove it once again.
“Our vision for Adamawa as a peaceful, progressive and prosperous state is strong and enduring. With your perseverance and determination, the APC will make Adamawa a model state in all areas of endeavour,’’ he stated.
The president urged youths in the state and the country to pursue values that would bring honour to their families and the country, advising that Nigeria’s image could only be improved by the citizens.
“Let me now speak to the youths of our country, and Adamawa State particularly. I want you to know that you mean so much to us. Please, remain loyal and patriotic citizens, learn from your elders and behave responsibly at all times.
“There can be no other place better than this country that promises so much to us and beckons us to greater prosperity.
“I want you to remain true to our ideals of decency, respect and accountability. You should bear your responsibilities seriously and acquit yourself well in all that you are called on to do.
“You should all come out and vote in the forthcoming elections, exercise your franchise responsibly and do not allow yourselves to be misled by vain sentiments and idle promises.
“Let me remind you and the entire people of Nigeria that the eyes of the world will be on you come February and March, 2023. Therefore, do not give in to temptation and allow yourselves to be manipulated,’’ he added.
In his remarks, Tinubu thanked the president for leading the country with integrity, and setting new standards in development projects.
“Nigeria is blessed. We have integrity in President Buhari. Whatever damage the Poverty Development Party, PDP, has done, we will replace it with joy, prosperity, happiness and employment for our people.
“We will get you engaged properly. We will pay attention to your needs. Vote Binani for governor of the state, and when we are elected, we will work together to provide good water, education, health and end killings and kidnapping,” he said.
For her part, Ahmed-Binani pleaded with the First Lady, Aisha Buhari who comes from Adamawa, APC chieftain and former chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Mr. Nuhu Ribadu and a federal lawmaker, Mr. Abdulrazak Namdas, to work with her to ensure victory for the party at the polls.
