Last Saturday’s presidential election has come and gone. But, the memories are still fresh in the minds of many Nigerians. Deputy Editor EMMANUEL OLADESU who monitored the election shares some of his impressions about the contest
Elo fokan bale”, translated as ‘go and be calm,’ was Ahmed Bola Tinubu’s assurance to his supporters last week.
“We have worked; we have done what we should do,” he told Southwest leaders who endorsed him in Lagos.
On Saturday, Nigerians trooped out to vote at the historic presidential election. Feelers across the federation show that the All Progressives Congress (APC) presidential candidate is consolidating his lead at the poll.
It is a tough contest among the big four — Tinubu, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar of the Peoples’ Democratic Party (PDP), Peter Obi of the Labour Party (LP) and Senator Rabiu Kwankwaso of the New Nigerian Peoples Party (NNPP).
Exuding confidence before and after casting his vote at his Unit 085, Ward 3, Ikeja local government, Tinubu said he will triumph at the poll.
Electoral officers reported late for duty at the unit, although there was no anxiety. All was calm.
Also, operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), men of the Nigerian Immigration Services and many observers came around to assess the situation on the ground.
Although Tinubu’s daughter, Chief Folasade Tinubu-Ojo, the Iyaloja-General of Nigeria, stormed the unit around 10 am, she had to return to her residence on Sunday Adigun Street, some 500 metres from the polling booth.
A few minutes later, Tinubu stormed the unit, accompanied by his wife, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, who had earlier voted in her Falomo, Lagos unit, and a Governance Advisory Council (GAC) member Chief Mutiu Are.
After performing his civic duty, he drove to his ‘Sunday Adigun’ house, where her illustrious mother had lived before passing on in June 2013 at 96.
When she was alive, she used to vote with the former Lagos State governor, who usually wheel her to the polling unit.
No fewer than 250 reporters swarmed over the APC candidate, who voted around 10.30 am.
Hale and hearty, Tinubu described the poll day as a day for democracy, assuring that he will carry the day.
He said he was not afraid of the outcome, stressing that a democrat should be ready to accept the results of a free and fair election.
Tinubu hinted about pending challenges, saying that the next president has to work to reposition the country.
The eminent politician spoke with reporters on the journey so far and his vision for a better society, shortly after voting, and later, at his Bourdillion, Ikoyi residence.
Tinubu said the economy is a priority, adding: “Economic problem is not peculiar to Nigeria. We will recalibrate the system and set Nigeria on the path of recovery.”
He lauded President Muhammadu Buhari for laying a foundation that can be built upon, although the challenges of 2019 differ from those of 2023.
Tinubu described the president as a dedicated and committed leader who has tried his best for the country.
He highlighted the challenges that Buhari’s successor will face, including huge population growth, graduate unemployment and the quest for a more productive economy.
The APC candidate said the economy should be expanded to accommodate contributions from a digital angle, artists and creative sub-sector and even from those holding the levers of social media.
Reiterating his determination to rebuild Nigeria, he said there is no shortage of ideas and knowledge on his part as reflected in the Lagos success story.
He said: “My vision; you could see Lagos, the infrastructural development, taming of the Atlantic Ocean. You bring the private sector for collaboration.
“I have articulated my agenda. I am striving to become a leader of APC through this election. I will change the APC philosophy.”
Tinubu described himself as the best candidate, adding that he has demonstrated uncanny courage and never allowed social media abuses to distract him.
He said: “I will dance again. I have visited more states, more rallies and town hall meetings, than others. Talking is a display of energy. I have done more talking to the people and answered more questions than any candidate.
“I disclosed that I had a knee injury. I am fitter than most of them. I trek kilometres in a day. I don’t sleep until 2.30 am or 3.00 am, reading. What do you do to be well? Keeping fit; keep your brain alert; be aware of what is happening around the world.”
Tinubu added: “When they have nothing to say; they lack knowledge and exposure. I have proved them wrong. I keep dancing as a therapy.”
In other polling units visited in the Ikeja axis, there was a huge turnout.
The polls were peaceful in Onigbongbo, Ikeja and Ojodu councils.
Where polling staff reported late, voters waited patiently until the exercise kicked off.
There was no complaint about the malfunctioning of the Bimodal Voters’ Accreditation System (BVAS) and disruption by thugs. Voters shunned unruly behaviours.
The turnout was impressive at Ojodu, where GAC member Cardinal James Odunmbaku and his son, David, chairman of the Ojodu Council, voted.
Odunmbaku described the poll as a vital decision time, stressing that a new progressive government will emerge.
He said Tinubu is the best candidate who will take Nigeria to a greater height.
Odunmbaku added: “People have come out to vote for Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu and he will become the next president.”
By Emmanuel Oladesu
The Nation
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