Supporters loyal to former Niger Delta militant leader, Government Ekpemupolo, popularly known as Tompolo, on Saturday stormed the national secretariat of the All Progressives Congress in Abuja to celebrate what they described as President Bola Tinubu’s early dominance in the party’s ongoing presidential primaries.
The supporters, operating under the aegis of the PBAT Door-2-Door Movement, arrived at the APC headquarters in large numbers amid chants, music, and solidarity displays, expressing confidence that Tinubu would coast to victory in the exercise.
Addressing journalists during the gathering, the group’s National Coordinator, Sunday Asuku, said the delegation was sent by Tompolo to felicitate Tinubu over the early results emerging from different wards across the country.
He said, “Today, our grand Patron, Tompolo, has sent us here to felicitate with President Bola Tinubu over his early lead, and by the grace of God, his victory, at the ongoing Presidential Primaries of the All Progressive Congress.
“We have come out en masse. You can see the mammoth crowd. It is organic. They have come out in their hundreds to say yes.”
Asuku declared the group’s full support for Tinubu’s re-election bid, insisting that Nigerians should allow the President more time to consolidate on ongoing reforms.
“We are supporting President Bola Tinubu’s re-election. In 2027, everybody from the South, West, East, and North will come out massively. A vote for President Tinubu is a vote for our future and a greater Nigeria.
“I want to appeal to Nigerians that we should not be embittered about whatever is happening in the country today. The decadence of so many decades cannot be fixed in just four years.
“To this end, we believe President Tinubu should be given more time. He should be given more time to consolidate on the foundation he has built. He is the reformer-in-chief, and we appreciate what he is doing. Whoever is not in support of him is an enemy of Nigeria,” he said.
The pro-Tinubu campaigner further described the President as a leader steering the country in the right direction despite prevailing economic and security challenges.
He said, “We have had leaders in the past, but this is the first time we are having a leader who is moving in the right trajectory. Nigeria shall be great again. We may not be there yet, but there will surely be light at the end of the tunnel. I want to give you this assurance that with President Bola Tinubu, Nigeria is in safe hands.
“You may say we have a lot of challenges in the country today. It is normal. So many of them are inherited problems. However, the President, his ministers and appointees are on their toes to ensure that Nigeria becomes a better place and a safer haven for all and sundry,” he added.
The show of support came as early results from APC presidential primaries across several states indicated overwhelming victories for Tinubu over his lone challenger, Chief Stanley Osifo.
In Tinubu’s Ward in the Ikoyi area of Lagos, the Electoral Officer, Mrs Martha Adukwu, said the President polled 4,996 votes out of 5,163 registered party members, while Osifo recorded zero votes.
Tinubu also secured landslide victories in Mafa Ward in Borno State, Kabo Ward in Kano State, Argungu Local Government Area of Kebbi State, and Oyigbo Ward 3 in Rivers State, where party officials announced near-total victories for the President.
In most of the wards announced so far, Osifo failed to secure a single vote, further reinforcing Tinubu’s commanding early lead in the nationwide exercise.