From Paul Orude, Bauchi
Former national officials of the defunct Alliance for Democracy (AD) have congratulated President Bola Tinubu on his swearing-in as the 16th President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
The former members, who have been associates of Tinubu since 1999, described the thorny part that led to Tinubu’s victory as a lesson in political life.
A statement signed by a former National Ex officio of the Defunct AD representing North East, Alhaji Muhammad Sani Al’ameen, said the process and the outcome of the exercise validated the fundamental principles of democracy: the right to choose.
Al’ameen recalled that many of Tinubu’s associates with whom they started the struggle together had died.
He said some of them like Bello Illela, National Ex officio from Sokoto, Dr Sultan, Assistant Secretary from Borno, Reverend Father Manzo Abubakar, National Secretary from Taraba, Dr Sani El Mahdi Niger, Musa Maimai, Assistant National organising Secretary from Zamfara, Abdulqadir, Joe National Chairman from Gombe, Wadata Eze from Kebbi and himself, National Ex Officio from Bauchi are still alive.
Al’ameen, who was a one-time candidate for Governorship in Bauchi State on the platform of AD in 2003, said most of them who are still alive began the journey with Tinubu.
He said he learnt a lot of lessons in the journey, part of which is the importance of the unity of the country as the key to success
Al’ameen, who was a former Assistant Director for the Tinubu/Kashim grassroots mobilization campaign, argued that neglecting one section of the country led to the collapse of AD and gave birth to the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN)
“We met and parted on different political parties from 1999 to date and today many of us alive are united and, working together with Tinubu in APC and succeed when we brought him as President after following rough roads and thorny parts in the struggle,” he said.
The statement called on Nigerians to accept the olive branch extended to gladiators from other political divides by Tinubu in the interest of peace and development.
Al’ameen who was also a former gubernatorial aspirant of APC in Bauchi State said many of Tinubu’s associates were part of the rigorous journey that led to the victorious destination.
“In achieving victory, it is not only the supporters of APC whose heart is gladdened, but millions of lovers of democracy,” he said
“We equally call on all Nigerians to accept the olive branch held forward by Asiwaju Ahmed Bola Tinubu and pursue the path of peace, progress and tranquillity, as being propagated by the President.
“As he assumed duty we his former close political associates in the 90s to date will continue to support Asiwaju Ahmed Bola Tinubu.
“We call on Nigerians to eschew bitterness, avoid divisive tendencies and choose the path of reconciliation and unity for the greater good of Nigerians.
“Omolekun” we believe it’s your turn. Your doggedness and resilience, patience and humility have led to your success.”