Former Lagos State Governor and National Leader of the All Progressives Congress, APC, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu stormed Minna, the Niger State capital, on Thursday, in continuation of his nationwide ‘consultation’, ahead of the 2023 presidential vote.
Specifically, Tinubu visited former military president, General Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida, at his Hilltop Mansion to “get his blessing” for his presidential aspiration..
On Tinubu’s entourage were: Niger State Governor, Alhaji Abubakar Sani Bello; Hon. James Faleke, and Hon. Ibrahim Abdulahi, members of the House of Representatives from Lagos and Niger States respectively; as well as Senator Abu Fari from Katsina State.
After the consultation with IBB which was held behind closed doors, Tinubu told journalists that he was in Minna to seek General Babangida’s blessings, saying: ” there is no way I will visit Niger state without visiting IBB and receive his prayers.
“I cannot come to Niger state and not stop by to pay a courtesy call on the enigma, General Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida.”
Continuing, Tinubu said: “If you (journalists) restrict my visit to this house, that is it. Generally, I came to Niger State to commiserate with the Governor and the people of Niger State. And so, I can’t stop by without paying a courtesy call to the enigma, General Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida.”
But he refused to disclosing the nugget of his discussion with the ex-military ruler. “He gave me his prayers,” Tinubu said.
Asked why he decided to throw his cap into the ring for the 2023 presidential race, Tinubu said: “We are running a democracy, I took my decision voluntarily and I am running for the Presidency of the country.
“When I made the declaration, I told you that I am still consulting and I will consult as widely as possible.”
