Senate President, Ahmad Lawan, has disclosed the reason he contested against the presidential candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Bola Tinubu in the just concluded party’s primaries.

Lawan said he vied for the presidential ticket of the ruling party due to his knowledge and experience to lead the country.

The Senate President, in a statement made available to The Star on Wednesday, said he was happy the exercise was free and fair.

He stated: “As Your Excellency is aware, I offered myself alongside your good self and other patriotic members of the party to fly its highly coveted flag in the 2023 presidential election.

“I did so in the belief that I have the knowledge base, ideas, experience and desire to provide leadership for our dear country at these most trying times.

“I am elated and proud that the Presidential primary was manifestly free and fair, and conducted within our APC Family under a most convivial atmosphere.”

Lawan added that Tinubu was the popular choice of the party among the presidential aspirants in the APC primaries, saying his track record and courage made him worthy to clinch to the party’s ticket.

“The outcome of the election process has shown that Your Excellency is the popular choice of our party for that assignment.

“I do not have an iota of doubt in the wisdom of that decision by our party’s delegates from across the country.

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“Your glittering track record of public service, foresight and grit in party building and administration, as well as the courage you continue to demonstrate in fighting for the entrenchment of democracy in Nigeria make you worthy of the high esteem and trust of our party members everywhere in Nigeria as exhibited at the National Convention,” he added.

The Senate President, however, said he was happy that the convention was free and fair.

“I am elated and proud that the Presidential primary was manifestly free and fair, and conducted within our APC Family under a most convivial atmosphere.”

Lawan said although he presented himself for the contest due to his knowledge and experience to change the course of Nigeria at this trying moment, he believed the winner has the required competence to lead the country.

Lawan stressed that he was happy that Tinubu has the qualities to coast APC to victory, saying: “I have no doubt that with your credentials, experience, antecedents and political sagacity, our great party will go into the 2023 contest confident of victory.”

He, therefore, congratulated Tinubu just as he assured him of working for his success.

“It is on this note that I heartily congratulate you on your well-deserved victory at the primary.

“As a loyal party member, I remain committed to the party at all times and will always be available to work for its success,” Lawan said.

The Star