Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, the All Progressives Congress (APC) presidential candidate, has claimed that he worked hard to secure the ticket.
He claims that a gang conspired against him prior to the party's presidential primary.
Tinubu said this after returning to Lagos State for the first time after defeating ex-Transport Minister Rotimi Amaechi, Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo, and others to become the ruling party's nominee for next year's election.
"Despite the State's contribution to national peace and growth, no Lagos indigene has had the opportunity to become President of Nigeria," Tinubu stated in the palace of Alayeluwa Rilwan Akiolu, the Oba of Lagos.
"The office of Chief Judge of the Federation is the highest national leadership position attained by any Lagosian."
"I decided to take up the struggle to end this curse. It was a tough fight to get an APC ticket. I resorted to prayers when I was nearly fed up.
When I felt like I was being pursued by a gang, I also vented my frustrations. I'm thankful to God that I was able to bring the presidential ticket home with me."
Kabiru Ibrahim Masari has been appointed as Tinubu's running mate.
Masari's name was submitted to the Independent National Electoral Commission on Friday to satisfy the deadline (INEC).