For many Nigerians, the 2023 polls present an important opportunity for a change in trajectory. The attention is however, mostly on the All Progressives Congress (APC) where its leaders are divided over who becomes the flag bearer of the party.
While the former Lagos State governor Bola Ahmed Tinubu, has long declared his ambition and has been to different parts of the country to inform traditional leaders about his plans, Senate Chief Whip, Orji Uzor Kalu, and Senator Rochas Okorocha have also declared their interest in the presidency on the platform of the APC.
There has also been speculations about the potential candidacies of Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, Transport Minister Rotimi Amaechi, CBN Governor, Godwin Emefiele and the Ekiti State Governor, Kayode Fayemi
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A week after the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) created a directorate for politics and governance, to help mobilise support for members of the church who are into politics, Yemi Osinbajo, is said to have informed President Muhammadu Buhari of his plan to run in 2023.
Multiple sources told ABN TV that Osinbajo, who already has the backing of his political friends, briefed President Buhari mid-last week and in response to this, the president simply gave a nod, wishing his vice president best of luck ahead of the APC primary election.
“The president said he was aware of the vice president’s moves and said he has never doubted his capabilities. He wished him well but did not outrightly speak about supporting him or not. The president was open and jokingly said it is now a race between you and Asiwaju, ” an aide to Osinbajo who pleaded anonymity said.
On Sunday, another top source in the Aso Villa informed our correspondent that all is set for Osinbajo’s formal declaration for the presidency, and might be done before the end of the week.
Asked if Tinubu has got the hint that Osinbajo who served as justice commissioner during his tenure as Lagos governor, would be running against him, our source said; “many people including Asiwaju thought it was speculation before now but the information of Osinbajo’s brief to Buhari has gotten to Tinubu’s camp and they are aware of his planned meeting with APC leaders in Lagos, Kano, Enugu, Kaduna, Osun, Adamawa, Bauchi, among other states.”
The latest development is, however, said to be causing disputes among APC leaders in different states.
A top official in Lagos APC said the state chapter was supporting Tinubu because the former governor was the only aspirant from the South West who had declared his intent but they might be forced to weigh their options since there is another ‘heavyweight’ showing interest from the region.
A chairman in one of the Southwest states, however, said Osinbajo’s declaration would mean betrayal. “I am among APC chairmen working to ensure the victory of Tinubu and will never be part of those endorsing Osinbajo. It is a betrayal of trust.”
An aide to Osun APC Chairman, Gboyega Famodun, said his principal has been invited for a meeting with Osinbajo but he turned it down.
While Laolu Akande, Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity to the Vice President did not respond to enquiries on this subject, a member of Osinbajo’s media team told ABN TV “As long as President Muhammadu Buhari is alive, he will support my principal and is most likely to get the ticket.”
