The National Leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Senator Ahmed Bola Tinubu, has arrived Kano State despite the strong opposition to celebrate his birthday in the state.
The Arewa Youth Consultative Forum (AYCF) had asked Governor Abdullahi Ganduje not to host Tinubu’s birthday in the state.
But on Sunday, Ganduje accompanied the APC National Leader to the palace of the Emir of Kano, where he paid homage.
Tinubu is expected to meet with the Northern Council of Traditional Rulers of Nigeria on Monday.
There are indications that Tinubu is eyeing the presidency, though he has not publicly declared his intention.
Speaking at the palace, Tinubu admitted that the country is passing through a trying moment, noting that only unity and prosperity would allow it excel.
“Nigeria is at critical stage of its life and the only thing that would make it survive is unity and understanding, therefore, Lagos and Kano, which have come through these over time, must show the way.”
“Peace and development would be eluded if the nation continues the way it is going, therefore unity and tranquility must be the hope that could be ridden on.
“One can see that today I, Bola Tinubu, is sitting side by side with Governor Ganduje and this is a clear testimony that people regardless of their tribes and religions could come together and make a change.” he said.
Responding, the Emir of Kano, Aminu Ado Bayero, lauded Tinubu for choosing Kano to celebrate his 69th birthday anniversary, saying this alone is a testimony to the unity and love he has for Nigeria.
This is the second time in four months that Tinubu will visit the state.
In December 2020, he met with some scholars who threw their weight behind his “2023 presidential ambition”.
In less than a week, Tinubu has been to Kaduna and Katsina, which are among the states with largest voting populations in the country.
