“The rally is to show solidarity for a mandate that was freely given to Tinubu at the polls by Nigerians and to let the world know that he is the winner of the election.”
Oyakhilome Bello, APC USA national youth leader, has called on President Joe Biden to defend Nigeria’s democracy against those calling for an interim national government or military takeover.
According to a statement on Tuesday, Mr Bello made the call at a rally organised by the APC USA chapter under the leadership of Adesegun Labinjo, held at Lafayette Park, South West Quadrant, Washington DC.
He said the rally was to counter a protest organised by individuals from the opposition camp to protest the outcome of the February 25 presidential election and the emergence of Bola Tinubu as president-elect.
The APC stalwart added that the rally was to show solidarity with Mr Tinubu and let the world know he won the election.
“The rally is to show solidarity for a mandate that was freely given to Tinubu at the polls by Nigerians and to let the world know that he is the winner of the election as declared by INEC, Nigeria’s electoral body,” stated the APC USA youth leader.
Mr Bello added, “We will defend the voice of the majority of Nigerian electorates because we have come too far to let some few selected people destroy what we have built over the decades.”
He explained that Nigeria’s democracy though nascent, had come a long way, adding that no force of blackmail from the opposition camp should be allowed to abort it.
The APC USA youth leader stressed Mr Tinubu and Vice-President-elect Kashim Shettima would be inaugurated on May 29, pointing out that he was part of the Nigerian electorate who waited in the queue to vote in what he described as a credible, free and fair presidential election.
“I find it hard to believe that some few individuals that are dissatisfied with the outcome of the election results will go to the extent of calling for an interim national government, or a military take over as against a democratically elected government instead of accepting defeat, this is most unpatriotic and undemocratic behaviour,” explained Mr Bello.
He called on Nigerians to come together and work with Mr Tinubu for the country’s greater good. According to him, the elections are over, and it is time to come together with all hands on deck to develop the country.
The statement listed those at the rally as Dele Alade, the APC USA board of trustees chairman, Emeka Molokwu, Henry Adesanya, Adeleke Lamoriyu, and Andrew Ifemidayo, among others.
(NAN)