Lalong is VP best for APC, Nigeria’s unity – Group 

A group, Northern Nigerian Movement for Asiwaju 2023 has canvassed cogent reasons why the Plateau State Governor and Chairman of the Nigerian Northern Governors Forum, Simon Bako Lalong should be the worthy running mate of the All Progressives Congress presidential candidate, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu in the 2023 general elections.

The group made its position known in a statement issued in Abuja on Tuesday and signed by its National Coordinator, Dr Mohammed Attahiru.

The group described the emergence of a former Lagos State Governor and National Leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Asiwaju Ahmed Bola Tinubu as the presidential flag bearer of the party in the 2023 election as one great and laudable decisions made by delegates and other stakeholders from across the country.

The group said it was confident that Tinubu has the requisite experience and wherewithal to win the next general elections and give the country the much desired development as he did when he governed Lagos State.

“Tinubu is deeply rooted in Nigeria’s political firmament and has great followership and acceptance across the country”, Attahiru said in the statement.
The group however pointed out that one factor that will brighten the chances of Asiwaju Bola Tinubu in the 2023 contest is the choice of his running mate, saying, such decision must be taken carefully by party leaders and stakeholders.

“There is every need for leaders and critical stakeholders of the ruling party to be more meticulous, strategic and circumspect in arriving at the choice of running mate for Tinubu.

“Tinubu himself appears to know the implications of the choice of running mate as he goes into the crucial presidential election of 2023, hence, the reason he is taking his time to get it right.

“Asiwaju has already submitted the name of one Ibrahim Masari to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) as a place holder running mate pending when he would get the worthy running mate ahead of the election.

“Speaking in Abuja at a book launch in the honour of the Speaker of House of Representatives to mark his 60th birthday anniversary, Tinubu said he was still searching for his running mate and told the Speaker to join him in the search for a worthy running mate.

“Tinubu said this in his remarks when he lauded the good working relationship between Gbajabiamila and his deputy, Hon Ahmed Wase. 

“Tinubu said he needed to learn from the duo about the way they worked seamlessly together as he continues his search for a running mate.”