Jumoke Okoya-Thomas, the APC's female leader in Lagos State, claims that those who are making fun of Bola Tinubu, the party's presidential candidate, will be astounded by what he will accomplish for Nigeria if he wins the presidency in 2023.
On Wednesday, Okoya-Thomas, a former representative, appeared on Arise TV's The Morning Show.
She claimed that despite the former governor of Lagos State being called "Old and creaky" by his detractors and political rivals, Tinubu would make Nigeria a stronger country with a stronger currency.
The APC chieftain said US President, Joe Biden, was given similar tags by his critics but he was able to make his country and its currency stronger.
“Just like in the US. They put a man in that seat – (Joe) Biden. They called him old, rickety, and all the rest. You know what, there’s something in his brain. That thing in his brain is what is giving them stronger currency and a stronger nation. And that is what Asiwaju (Tinubu) will give us in Nigeria,” Mrs Okoya-Thomas said.
The women leader defended Tinubu’s controversial UK trip saying she would jet out of the country to receive medical treatment whenever she feels sick.
“Even my own self, when I’m not well. I will quickly run out to take a rest,” she said, apparently implying that Tinubu left the country for medical treatment.
Reuben Abati, one of the programme anchors, quickly asked if she was confirming speculations that Tinubu was sick, the women leader replied, “I am not saying he’s not well. I said, my little self here, when I need to rest, I quickly go out. We all go out to rest.”
Tinubu’s health has been a subject of debate, particularly on social media lately, while he was away on a trip to the UK.
Reports later surfaced online alleging that the APC candidate was seriously ill and mulling withdrawal from the presidential race.
Tinubu was quick to respond by releasing a video of him working out, apparently to douse the speculations over his health. The APC candidate returned to Nigeria on Thursday.
Asked when the APC candidate would return to Nigeria, Okoya-Thomas responded, “I’m a women leader. He (Tinubu) will show up very soon, within the next 48 hours. I know Asiwaju. He has never spent more than two weeks outside. Go and Google it.”
The former federal lawmaker accused supporters of Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, of embarking on a campaign of calumny against political opponents.
“One thing I like about Atiku (Abubakar) is that he does not embark on this campaign of calumny like Obidients,” she said.