2023: South-west governor dumps Tinubu for Osinbajo
This is really a period of alignment and realignment in the political space of Nigeria as the 2023 general elections draw closer.
Some changes are beginning to take place with Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun, now declaring that the state would support Vice President Yemi Osinbajo’s presidential bid.
Our correspondent reliably gathered that Abiodun had been in dilemma over who to support between Osinbajo and former Governor of Lagos State, Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
Daily Trust reports that both Osinbajo and Tinubu were instrumental to Abiodun’s victory when he battled former Governor Ibikunle Amosun’s anointed candidate, Abdulkabir Akinlade in the last election.
Insiders said the duo expects loyalty and support from the governor who is now in dilemma.
Also, his cabinet members are divided as some are backing Osinbajo’s bid while others are in firm support of Tinubu.
A source close to the cabinet, however, said Abiodun has not given a directive to his aides on who to support between Tinubu and Osinbajo.
But Abiodun on Tuesday said Ogun would back Osinbajo, an indigene of the state from Ikenne in Ikenne LGA.
He said the support would enable him to continue with some of the laudable projects of the President Muhammadu Buhari-led’s administration.
Speaking at a stakeholder meeting with the VP held at the Akarigbo Palace Sagamu, the Alake Palace in Abeokuta and the Presidential Lodge, Ibara, Abeokuta, as well as the Palace of Olu of Ilaro and Paramount ruler of Yewaland, Abiodun said Osinbajo in the last seven years, has contributed to the many successes recorded by the federal government, noting “He is eminently qualified to lead the country”.
The governor, who extolled the VP’s academic exploit, recalled how he stood behind his gubernatorial election and described him as a man who is interested in fairness, justice, equity and the rule of law.
In his speech, the VP said he was not in the state to campaign, but to inform his people of his intention to run for the office of the president.
Osinbajo said he had consulted widely across all sections of the society, including with President Muhammadu Buhari before he threw his hat into the ring to succeed his boss.
Recounting his contributions to the present federal government, Osinbajo said he was actively involved in the judiciary reforms and its repositioning to work optimally and ensure that judges are adequately enumerated.
The paramount ruler of Remoland, Oba Babatunde Ajayi, in his remarks, posited that the vice president was competent with the required qualification to lead the nation, observing that his performance as the acting president is there for all to see.
Meanwhile, the All Progressives Congress (APC) on Tuesday commenced the sale of expression of interest and nomination forms to all categories of aspirants ahead of its primaries and the 2023 general election.
Daily Trust reports that the aspirants were paying the fee into the party’s account before obtaining their forms at the party’s national secretariat in Abuja.
Speaking with newsmen shortly after obtaining his forms to seek the Akwa Ibom state governorship ticket, Senator Eta Enang said, “The processes of the campaigns for the nomination, contest and contact with the delegates has been peaceful and it has been handled as a family affair.”
Similarly, the National Organising Secretary, Sulaiman Muhammad Argungu also presented the expression of interest and nomination forms and guidelines to Governor Simon Bako Lalong of Plateau State to contest the Plateau South Senatorial ticket of the party.
The Plateau Legacy Group led by Rt. Hon. Yusuf Gagdi collected the forms and guidelines on behalf of Governor Lalong.
The form was purchased by serving commissioners in Plateau State. They have raised more than N60 million to purchase the form, according to Mr. Yakubu Datti, who is the state Commissioner for Land and Survey and Chairman of the Commissioner’s Forum.
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