Ahead of the National Convention of the All Progressives Congress (APC), the Vice President Yemi Osinbajo who is also the Presidential aspirants on Friday solicited the support of the party’s delegates in Osun State.
Prof Osinbajo who was highly welcomed at the state government house in Osogbo by the Deputy Governor of the state, Mr Benedict Alabi who represented Governor Gboyega Oyetola, Members of APC assured the delegates of people-oriented programmes if finally elected into the office in 2023.
The APC Presidential Aspirant, who is among prominent personalities aspiring to succeed President Muhammadu Buhari in 2023, promised to fix the economy.
Prof Osinbajo, expressed optimism about emerging as the standard-bearer of APC at the party’s primary coming up between May 30, 2022 and June 1, 2022.
Addressing newsmen shortly after the meeting held at the government house with delegates, Prof. Osinbajo said: “I am very happy with the reception in Osun and I am also happier with the opportunity to be with delegates and share with them my vision.
“I am sure that the delegates also had a very good time interacting with me and quite interrogative about what my views are regarding the future of this country”.
Meanwhile, thousands of the Supporters of Professor Yemi Osinbajo under the aegis of Professor Yemi Osinbajo (PYO) support group have stormed the popular Oja Oba market, Oke fia and Ataoja palace where they welcome the vice president in funfairs.
Members of PYO in their uniforms were seen dancing and singing in solidarity with the president hopeful just as the vice president who was very excited about the turn out of APC members who came to receive him.
Addressing the Ataoja of Osogbo land Oba Jimoh Olanipekun Larooye, and his chiefs in the palace, Prof Osinbajo said among the presidential aspirants jostling to succeed President Muhammad Buhari in 2023, he is the most experienced and prepared to be the next president of the country.
He noted that his aspiration was necessitated by his commitment to offering himself for service to the people and the nation.
According to him, his interventions as the vice president and the acting president has exposed him to the peculiarities and opportunities in the country, adding that he is determined to build on this and place the country on the pedestal of development.
He said: “I have come to speak with the members of APC in the state ahead of the presidential election. As a presidential aspirant in APC, I have come to meet with the delegates of the party who will be voting at the forthcoming national convention of the party. I’ve been to various states and Osun is important.
“I have served in government for seven years, vice president and acting president inclusive. I have the experience needed and capable of leading the country. There is no part of Nigerian governance that I don’t understand.
“Kabiyesi, I am here to pay homage first, I can’t come to Osogbo and just speak to the party delegates without visiting you.
My coming to Osogbo is very important, our people need someone that is capable.”
Responding, the Ataoja of Osogbo, Oba Jimoh Olanipekun described the vice president as intelligent person who he said had performed tremendously well when he acted as the president of the country.
He said: “We are grateful that you recognised our essence that was why you deemed it fit to visit the palace.
“Tinubu has been here and I promised him that we will pray for him not knowing that someone of a higher position would still come around.
“Having served as vice president and acting president knows much about the governance and happenings in the government circle. When you acted as the vice president, you performed tremendously well. I am the king and the two aspirants have come to me for Royal blessings which will be done.
“Osinbajo, we know that you are capable and very intelligent. But when you get there, don’t watch Osogbo suffer, come to our aid.”
The deputy governor of the state, Benedict Alabi had earlier welcomed the vice president and his entourage to the state on behalf of the governor, Gboyega Oyetola whom he said was out of the state for official engagement.
