2015: Tambuwal’s presidential ambition will not tear APC - Senator

Sen. Gbenga Ashafa says the entrance of the Speaker, House of Representatives, Alhaji Aminu Tambuwal, into the presidential race on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC) would not destroy the party’s unity.

Ashafa, representing Lagos East Senatorial District, spoke in Lagos on Monday, at an empowerment programme in his constituency.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Tambuwal swelled the number of aspirants jostling for the party’s ticket to five.

Other aspirants are a former Head of State, retired Gen. Muhammadu Buhari, Kano State Governor, Alh. Rabiu Kwankwaso, former Vice President, Alh. Atiku Abubakar and Publisher of Leadership Newspapers, Mr Sam Nda-Isaiah.

Ashafa said that the number of presidential aspirants in the party was not only a plus but showed the quality of people at its disposal.

``APC has the best of leaders in all those that are vying for the presidential ticket; one of them will be our flag bearer at the presidential election.

``You might think it will break the party if they choose one of them; no, it will never ever happen.

``We have to free Nigeria from the shackles of poverty,” he said.

NAN reports that the programme was held at the Centre for Management Development (CMD), Ikosi-Ketu.

A total of 17,395 party members who are artisans, traders, farmers, students and other less privileged people were empowered at the programme.

Among the items distributed to them were sewing and grinding machines, refrigerators, taxis and tricycles.

Ashafa disclosed that several projects that would improve the lives of residents had been executed in the senatorial district.

``I am delighted to say that we have successfully executed 76 constituency projects across the senatorial district.

``Some of these projects include 30 boreholes, 11 classroom blocks, two drainage channels and four ambulance points.

``Others are 22 power transformers, streetlights on some arterial roads, one skill acquisition centre and one science laboratory,” he said.