The All Progressives Congress (APC) would work to win the 2023 elections, according to Alhaji Ibrahim Masari, a close supporter of Bola Tinubu who ran as a temporary vice presidential candidate before Senator Kashim Shettima’s ascent. Governor Nyesom Wike of Rivers State has made this announcement.
Tinubu is the APC’s presidential candidate, while Wike has been embroiled in a power struggle with PDP members over Iyorchia Ayu’s refusal to step down as the party’s national chairman despite Atiku Abubakar’s victory in the PDP primary elections.
According to Masari, who spoke with BBC Hausa from London on Wednesday, Wike and Tinubu met, adding, future meetings would take place as the need arise.
Masari said, “The meeting was basically on the 2023 presidential election and by God’s grace, we are going to work with Governor Nyesom Wike; he will assist and we are going to win the election with ease, by the will of God.”
When asked if Wike will join the APC to help Tinubu win the election, Masari responded that he was not in a position to make that prediction.
He also noted that Wike didn’t need to quit the PDP in order to support whomever he chooses.
“This is because Wike is a big politician, a governor and he has control in some other states, apart from his state. He is good to the people and has associated with his people peacefully. By the grace of God, he will be of help to us.
“Well, only God knows what will happen next. But from what we are seeing now, what has transpired is that we are going to work with Wike and he will be useful to us.
“If you could remember, it was APC that caused the failure of APC in Bauchi, it was members of the party that led to the defeat of the governor from their party. The same thing happened in Adamawa State. So, what I want people to understand is that someone can still assist you, even without joining your party if he wants to.
Bola Tinubu is widely regarded by Nigerians, thus I can tell you that, with God’s grace, he will win the election, with or without assistance. However, there is a Hausa proverb that advises adding to your beauty by having a bath, even if you are already attractive. Therefore, it’s not just Wike; we are also in communication with many other governors,” Masari continued.