Presidential aspirant, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu says he will not succumb to blackmail in his bid to become President of Nigeria in 2023.
He said this on Sunday in Ibadan during a courtesy visit to the Olubadan-designate, Dr. Lekan Balogun in his Alarere residence.
Tinubu expressed strong determination in his quest to become the nation’s president.
The former Lagos State Governor said he was honoured to be in the Oyo State capital to solicit the support of the Olubadan and the people of Ibadan, and therefore, called for their prayers on his presidential ambition.
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-up are encountered.
“We are at a crossroad, people are volunteering to confront me when they were asked that who would confront the Lion of Bourdilon,” he said.
Tinubu expressed his readiness and determination, saying no intimidation or blackmail could stop him from pursuing his quest for the presidency.
“I’m out to become 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,” he said.
Tinubu, however, congratulated the new Olubadan for the grace to ascend the throne, which he said, would give the ancient city a new outlook.
He said that this was in consideration of the robust background of Balogun as an educationist, politician of progressive leaning and a humanist.
Reacting, the Olubadan said Nigeria needs a strong leader that will further strengthen its unity.
Balogun, who spoke through his brother, Sen. Kola Balogun (PDP-Oyo South), said that the situation in the country currently, called for a leader that would further strengthen its unity.
The Olubadan designate said that he had known Tinubu for a long time and his antecedents 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.
“But, it is very sad to note the ‘to your tent oh Israel’ that has of recent become the sing-song of the people.
“We are looking forward to a Yoruba president that will further strengthen and unite the country comes 2023.
“We need a leader that has national focus and acceptability; the road may be rough, but, by God’s grace, you will triumph,” he said.