Tinubu, who claimed that he made Dapo Abiodun the governor of Ogun State, canvassed for votes from delegates in the state, stressing that they shouldn’t make it ‘a kinsman affair’.

The APC chieftain who was obviously pleading with the delegates not to favour Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, an indigene of the state over him, said he is a member of ‘the family’.

He categorically said he nominated Osinbajo as running mate to President Muhammadu Buhari when the latter ran to him for help.

Tinubu said he is qualified in age, educational status and experience to lead the country.

He said, “Dear delegates, please I need your support. You will not remain delegates forever, God will answer your prayers and that of your children. Your children shall be greater than us. But please don’t make it a kinsman affair. We are all family, thank you very much. I am pleading with you. Thank you.”

Osinbajo had announced his presidential bid on April 11. He has since been engaging in consultations with delegates and other party stakeholders across the country.

On April 26, he reportedly visited the palaces of the Akakrigbo and Paramount Ruler of Remoland, and the Alake and Paramount Ruler of Egbaland, Oba Babatunde Ajayi and Oba Adedotun Aremu Gbadebo, respectively, to solicit their royal blessings in his quest to succeed President Muhammadu Buhari come 2023.

He also met APC delegates in the state at the Presidential Lodge, behind closed doors.

“During the course of the seven years, I’ve been exposed to practically everything about government. I’ve not necessarily been in a position to give orders because of course I’m Vice President.

“At various times, I’ve also served as acting president and when you serve as acting president, you are effectively the president of the country.”

In his remarks, the Governor of the State, Dapo Abiodun declared that he would support Osinbajo’s presidential bid.

According to Abiodun, Osinbajo’s academic qualifications as well as his pedigree serving as vice-president make him the best candidate for the presidency.

“If becoming president is by qualification, you’ve earned it. You are in office today as the vice-president of Nigeria. You’ve been in office for seven years. You’ve served your boss meritoriously. You are mature in this office. You’ve demonstrated capacity and capability,” he had told the Vice President who was in the state in April to consult APC stakeholders.

“If presidency is by way of an award, we will just gather here today and will award it to you. However, it isn’t an award; it’s a contest. We do not have a doubt in our minds that with your pedigree, the Lord Almighty that we all serve and that you also serve, will grant you the desires of your heart.”