Bola Tinubu, flag bearer of the All Progressives Congress (APC), has vowed to hit the ground running from his first day as president if elected next year.

Mr Tinubu made the promise while unveiling his campaign policy document at the inauguration of the APC Presidential Campaign Council on Friday in Abuja.

“This plan is not only a roadmap to a prosperous future, it serves as notice to the Nigerian people that, if elected, Senator (Kashim) Shettima and I shall work tirelessly to reach that promised future from the first moment of the first day we enter office,” he said during the event held at the State House Banquet Hall on Friday. 

Nigerians, especially critics still believe that Mr Tinubu’s health poses a major concern and could hinder him from performing if given the chance to be president.  

The APC candidate was rumoured to be suffering from urinary incontinence with video clips and pictures fueling questions about his suitability for the presidential seat.  

In February, a video clip emerged revealing how Mr Tinubu’s flowing garment was soaked from behind while his security aide covered his nose. 

However, the former Lagos governor had dismissed insinuations about his frail health, stressing that he does not need “physical strength” to rule Africa’s most populous nation.

Despite this, Mr Tinubu said he is an expert in nation-building, noting that Nigeria needs an experienced torchbearer to unlock the doors of prosperity and greatness for the country. 

He explained that his experience as a governor, where he transformed Lagos into one of the leading economies in Africa, places him as the best to win the 2023 race. 

“I seek to become the next president of the Federal Republic of Nigeria because I know the way. My experience and past performance assure that.

“It will beg that through collective effort and national endeavour that we join hands, cross divides, and achieve our vision,” the APC presidential candidate added. 

“We shall revive our manufacturing industries and place Nigeria back on the path of industrialisation and job creation as well as to generate, transmit and distribute sufficient, affordable electricity to give our people the necessary power to drive their businesses and brighten their homes. Power is key to unlocking the potential of our national economy.”

Mr Tinubu, however, noted that he looked forward to delivering “food security and affordability,” while assuring that he would continue to prioritise agriculture and assist farmers and other players in the agricultural value chain.

He explained that all these would be achieved through policies that promote productivity and guarantee robust incomes if given the chance to become Nigeria’s next president. 

“I ask you to join Senator Shettima and I on this journey. We have traversed every part of our nation, listening to the concerns and yearnings of Nigerians for a more prosperous and equitable society – better able to acknowledge and nurture the dreams of her people.

“We share the peoples’ desire for a peaceful Nigeria where we all coexist in fairness, prosperity and with balanced representation in positions of authority,” Mr Tinubu added.