Is Osinbajo On A Collision Mission With His Political Benefactor?

Vice president of Nigeria, Professor Yemi Osinbajo has ended months of speculations over his presidential ambition with his formal declaration on Monday.

Osinbajo who had earlier met with APC governors to notify them of his intention to contest released a video footage of his declaration on social media early this morning which has continued to attract mixed reactions from Nigerians.

Osinbajo’s declaration for president did not come as a shocker to Nigerians who keenly follow the political trend in the last few months.

The body language, the moves, and the genuflection of the VP have all spoken volume of what to expect from him as far as 2023 presidential election is concerned.

What however remains a question is whether the professor of law has the moral stamina to confront his erstwhile Boss and political benefactor, Bola Hamed Tinubu in the race for the party ticket.

For those who are conversant with Nigerian politics, saying Osinbajo cut his political teeths under Tinubu is an understatement. The former governor of Lagos practically threw Osinbajo to the political limelight.

The vice president was the Commissioner for Justice and Attorney General for eight years under Tinubu’s administration in Lagos. 

In 2014 when Tinubu’s was prevented by his party from running on the same ticket with president Muhammadu Buhari on the basis of Muslim/Muslim ticket, Tinubu singlehandedly nominated Osinbajo has his preferred choice for vice president.

According to inside sources, APC had an agreement that the party would consider Tinubu for presidential ticket after Buhari must have completed his two terms. The agreement appeared to have settled the matter as Tinubu began to build his political structures across the country ahead of 2023.

Seven years down the lane, the music has changed. Osinbajo who was believed to be extremely loyal to the APC National Leader is gradually taking the shine of him. He is currently embarking on a collision mission with the Jagaban of Borgu.

As at today, APC governors have divided across Osinbajo and Tinubu’s lines. Since Tinubu announced his decision to contest, there has been a wave of declaration of interest to run for the same post by other aspirants in the APC.

However, Osinbajo’s declaration appears to have been the most roaring moves with billows of reactions across the country. 

By virtues of his declaration today, the erudite professor of Law is expected to slug it out with Tinubu and other other aspirants in the presidential primary election of APC tentatively scheduled for next month. 

The vice president will be running on a collision mission with his political godfather, benefactor, boss and brother in the governance of Lagos between 1999 and 2007.