Osinbajo, Zulum presidential ticket has long been speculated. Zulum’s emphasis of the best for APC seems to be pointing at Osinbajo’s direction
By Ishaya Ibrahim, News Editor
Speculations that Professor Yemi Osinbajo may be paired with Borno State Governor Babagana Zulum in 2023 appears to be taking shape.
The two major gladiators that analysts predict one of whom would clinch the All Progressives Congress (APC) presidential ticket are Vice President Osinbajo and the former Lagos State Governor, Bola Tinubu.
Tinubu has already declared his intention to contest the 2023 presidential election but Osinbajo has not. On his behalf, a group, Progressives Consolidation Group has been vocal in campaigning for the Vice President as President Muhammadu Buhari’s successor.
The group met Governor Babagana Zulum of Borno State today in their campaign drive for Osinbajo.
Zulum has long been speculated as one of the likely running mate for Osinbajo’s presidential candidacy.
Zulum, while addressing the group, said President Muhammadu and other leaders of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) will identify the best candidate for the presidential elections in 2023. Analysts believe Osinbajo fits the bill given his age, education and experience in state affairs.
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“We have to identify the right individual to lead the nation,” Zulum said.
The task, according to him “requires the contributions of governors, party hierarchy and the president working in concert,” Zulum added.
The governor said that “individual aspirations may have to be downplayed because we all have to concur with the decision of the leader of our party.”
He said that contending interests in the forthcoming presidential primaries would not stop the APC from reaching a consensus that would consolidate the party’s unity and popularity nationwide.
Zulum stressed his commitment to work with the party’s hierarchy, members of the National Assembly and leaders at all levels to ensure the actualisation of President Muhammadu Buhari’s decisions as the party’s de facto leader.
“I am solidly behind initiatives aimed towards enhancing the unity of our party and progress of Nigeria; at this crucial time, no one and nothing will prevent the party from moving in unison,” he said.
The Progressive Consolidation Group (PCG) is headed by Aliyu Rabiu Kurfi. They’ve been touring the country and mobilizing support for Osinbajo.
At a press conference in Abuja last August, Kurfi said they have made progress in mobilising support for an Osinbajo presidency.
Kurfi said he met with Aminu Masari, governor of Katsina, and Faruk Umar Faruk, Emir of Daura, over their goal of an Osinbajo’s presidency and had fruitful discussions.
“Every passing day, we see further indications of success in our mobilization and advocacy efforts towards ensuring that Vice President, Professor Yemi Osinbajo succeeds President Muhammadu Buhari and sustains our party, APC’s progressive ideals,” he said.
“We deeply appreciate the warmth and hospitality offered by the people and government of Katsina state during our visit to Government House, Katsina as well as our visit to His Royal Majesty, the Emir of Daura, Alhaji Faruk Umar Faruk.
“We assure all true Progressives and members of the APC in Nigeria and abroad that at the government house, at the Palace and in our strategic meetings with various stakeholders drawn from all the local government areas of Katsina state, our concerns for stability, unity, peace and progress of Nigeria profoundly resonate.
“Looking at the extant developmental challenges that the country is contending with, it is only wise for the party to choose a most qualified and most acceptable candidate to sustain and improve on the positive gains, achievements and legacies of President Muhammadu Buhari.
“It is in view of this development that we at the PCG feel convinced that an Osinbajo presidency in 2023 will bring down tension, facilitate stability and accelerate further progress in all sectors of the economy.”
