Governor Yahaya Bello of Kogi State has pledged to mobilise youths for the presidential ambition of the All Progressives Congress (APC) flagbearer Bola Tinubu.
He made the pledge on Friday when the former Lagos state governor visited him in Abuja
“The exercise (APC convention/primary) has come and gone. I am telling you that I will be that general that will be on the field to command the younger generation – because they believe in me in their numbers – that will lead them to the polling units in every nooks and cranny of the country to make sure that we win resoundingly,” the governor said, days after the Tinubu beat him and several others to win the APC presidential ticket. “Never again will PDP lead this country.”
He also hailed the Tinubu for his contributions to democracy in Nigeria, saying the APC chieftain’s experience sets him apart from the rest. The governor also donated his campaign office to Tinubu.
“Today, I have collapsed my Presidential Campaign Organisation. I am donating my campaign organisation’s secretariat to you,” he said.
“I’ve learnt a lot from the little lecture you gave to us. What elders see when they’re in the valley, the younger ones won’t see it.”
On his part, Tinubu appreciated the gesture and promised to work for the party and the country’s unity. He described the governor as a “son” and commended him for contesting for the APC presidential ticket despite his youthfulness.
“Thank you, all members of Yahaya Bello Campaign Organisation,” Tinubu said. “You all made a mark, you were resolute. But there’s a difference between a tiger and a lion.”
Tinubu’s visit to the governor is part of moves to reconcile members of the party following the primary election. He was accompanied by a former National Chairman of the APC Adams Oshiomhole.