Wife of the late Chief Obafemi Awolowo, Chief (Mrs) HID Awolowo on Tuesday hosted the All Progressives Congress (APC) presidential candidate, General Muhammadu Buhari (rtd.), and other top shots of the party at the Awolowo’s Ikenne residence in Ogun State.

While receiving them, she prayed for a peaceful general elections in the country next month, saying: "I am happy to see all of you this evening; thank God He has brought you all safely.

“As a mother of the nation, you all know that I do not belong to any political party; I have long retired from partisan politics after the death of my husband, Chief Obafemi Awolowo.

“I can only pray for you for God’s guidance and protection as you tour the country to campaign for votes. I pray that God will grant you your heart's desires. It is also my sincere prayer that God will grant us a peaceful general election in Jesus’ name.”

Speaking earlier, the APC’s vice presidential candidate, Professor Yemi Osinbajo, described the visit as unique, noting that Mama stood by her husband, the first Premier of the Western Region, throughout his life.

Buhari, in his speech, said: “We are just here to greet you because Osinbajo has been endorsed by the party as the vice presidential candidate and we decided that whenever we come to Ogun State, we will pay you a courtesy visit and ask for your blessings and prayers.”

On the entourage to Ikenne were the national chairman of the party, Chief John Odigie-Oyegun; former acting national chairman of the party, Chief Bisi Akande; national leader, Senator Bola Tinubu; Ogun State governor, Senator Ibikunle Amosun and his wife, Olufunso; Buhari’s wife, Hajiya Aishat; former governors of Ekiti, Osun and Kwara states, Chief Niyi Adebayo; Chief Segun Oni; Prince Olagunsoye Oyinlola and Senator Bukola Saraki respectively.

Others were Senators Olorunnibe Mamora; Biyi Duroyaje and Honourable Abike Dabiri-Erewa.

•Adapted from a Nigerian Tribune report. Photo shows HID Awolowo.

Update news