Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu emerged as the All Progressives Congress (AP standard-bearer on Wednesday, assuring Nigerians that nothing will stop the march to a just, egalitarian society.

Addressing delegates and Nigerians shortly after he was pronounced winner of the APC presidential primary, the former governor of Lagos State noted that President Muhammadu Buhari has laid a firm foundation for the country’s march to greatness, promising to leverage on the foundation to fight insecurity, reform and grow the economy and fight corruption.

While he acknowledged that the nation has problems, some self-inflicted, he promised that the country’s development is a task that must be achieved, adding that he has the vision and ability to make it happen.

An excited Asiwaju said he was literally intoxicated by the nomination of the party because he never thought he would win.

With the victory, the APC flag-bearer will now square up against Atiku Abubakar, standard-bearer of the People6s Democratic Party (PDP), Alhaji Rabiu Kwankwaso (NNPP), Peter Obi (Labour) among others, in the 2023 presidential election.

In a delegate election that lasted over 20 hours, Tinubu polled a total of 1,271 votes out of a possible 2,223 delegate votes to top 13 other contestants, including Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, Rotimi Amaechi, Senate President Senator Ahmed Lawan, among others, for the ticket of the party.

He defeated his closest rival, Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi by a margin of 955 votes. The former Minister of Transport polled 316 delegate votes while Vice President Yemi Osinbajo scored 235 to finish a distant third. Senator Ahmed Lawan, the Senate President polled 152 votes.

Other aspirants and their scores are Dave Umahi (38), Tunde Bakare (0), Ahmed Sani Yerima (4), Sen Rochas Okorocha (0), Yahaya Bello (47), Ben Ayade (37), Ogbonnaya Onu (1), Tien Jackrich and Chief Ikeobasi Mokelu both polled zero. Thirteen votes were declared invalid.

Announcing the result, Convention Planning Committee, Chairman Atiku Bagudu, said Tinubu scored the majority of the votes and consequently declared him the party’s presidential flag-bearer.

Addressing the delegates, Tinubu lauded leaders of the party and urged all the aspirants to join him in defeating the Peoples Democratic Party in the forthcoming 2023 election, describing the main opposition party as a common enemy of the APC that must be beaten back.

He described the convention as a shining moment in the evolution of the APC and the life of the nation and hailed the party for making him its standard-bearer.

“And I humbly accept the nomination of this convention to be the presidential candidate of our enlightened, humanitarian and great party, the All Progressives Congress. 

“I also offer my sincere gratitude to President Buhari for his calm and prudent leadership throughout this process. I thank him also for his steadfast determination to ensure a level-playing field and a free and fair primary process for every aspirant. 

“Without him, I would not be standing here today as the new flag-bearer of Nigeria’s party. I thank the governors for their invaluable contribution6 to internal democracy and unity. I also commend the party leadership and organizers for the conduct of a successful convention. 

“Thank you, the delegates, for the confidence you have reposed in me. I will prove that your choice was a wise one. You have moved our party and country towards its best future. On your mandate, I shall stand.’ 

On his economic blueprint, Tinubu said he will grow the economy through local manufacturing and fabrication of Auto parts to strengthen the local economy. He also gave hint that if elected, he will dredge the Calabar port to ease port congestion in Lagos.

Speaking against the backdrop of the unprovoked attack that claimed the lives of 38  innocent worshipers at St Francis Catholic Church in Owo, Tinubu warned that hate begets hate, urging citizens to learn to love and embrace one.

He also told those who ran against him that he holds no grudges, noting that with the competition over, all must unite to fight a common enemy and improve the lives of citizens.