President Bola Tinubu has expressed optimism about the All Progressives Congress’ chances of victory in the November 11 gubernatorial elections in Bayelsa, Imo, and Kogi states, saying the APC “will do well” in the polls.

Tinubu stated that the hard work and records of the candidates, as well as the collective efforts of party officials, members of the APC National Working Committee, and the party’s National Chairman, Dr. Abdullahi Ganduje, would earn the ruling party victory in the elections.

The president said the collective efforts of the party chieftains were factors inspiring his optimism in the forthcoming elections.

He said this at the presentation of the APC flags to the standard-bearers in the elections in Abuja on Thursday, November 2, 2023.

President Tinubu presented the party flags to Timipre Sylva for Bayelsa State; Governor Hope Uzodinma of Imo State, who is seeking a second-term in office; and Ahmed Usman Ododo for Kogi State.

Tinubu, according to a statement issued by his spokesman, Ajuri Ngelale, however, urged the governorship candidates as well as the electorate to ensure free and fair elections.

He said: “All I am pleading for is for free and fair elections. I believe we will do well.

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“I want to thank the Governor of Kogi State, Yahaya Bello, who is working hard to ensure a handover to our candidate, Usman Ododo. We are happy to have Hope Uzodinma, the great hope of our party and chairman of the Progressives Governors Forum. Thank you for the good job you are doing.

“Timipre Sylva, congratulations on what you have achieved as a former governor and former minister.

“We are all facing this crusade for democracy, particularly in this time of elections. It is our hope, and we have Hope Uzodinma as a candidate, that we will always come out victorious.

“I want to thank the active national leadership of our party, the NWC, and our hardworking chairman. He is doing a good job, and I thank him very much.”

On his part, Ganduje commended President Tinubu for endorsing the candidates and for taking time out of his busy schedule to present the flags to them.

The Star