I’m ready to be insulted, says Tinubu on presidential bid

Bola Tinubu, chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), says he is ready to be insulted in his quest to become president of Nigeria.

Tinubu spoke when he visited Lekan Balogun, the Olubadan designate, on Sunday, at his residence in Alarere, Ibadan.

According to NAN, Tinubu visited Balogun to seek his blessing and the support of the Ibadan people on his presidential bid.

The presidential aspirant expressed his readiness and determination to succeed, saying no intimidation or blackmail can stop him from pursuing his quest for the presidency.

According to him, this period is “historical and a reminder of history”.

“Each time a Yoruba wants to be president, issues are raised, questions are asked and all sorts of hang-ups are encountered,” Tinubu said.

“We are at a crossroad. People are volunteering to confront me when they were asked who would confront the Lion of Bourdillon.

“I’m out to become the president of Nigeria. No intimidation, no blackmail can stop me.

“I have read about a Greek philosopher that if you want to fight a pig, you must be ready to be smeared and I’m ready to be dirty.”

Balogun, who spoke through Kola, his brother, said the current situation in the country calls for a leader that will strengthen its unity.

The Olubadan designate said he had known Tinubu for a long time and as the governor who laid the foundation of the present Lagos.

“Yorubas are the leading light of Nigeria, our people contributed a lot to make Nigeria what it is and without the Yorubas, Nigeria cannot be where it is today,” Balogun said.

“But, it is very sad to note the ‘to your tent oh Israel’ that has of recent become the song of the people.

“We are looking forward to a Yoruba president that will further strengthen and unite the country come 2023.

“We need a leader that has national focus and acceptability. The road may be rough, but, by God’s grace, you will triumph.”