Razaq Bamidele
The 2023 presidential race appears taking shape as the Northern Youth have almost completed compilation of likely aspirants, from whom Nigerians may likely choose from. What appears interesting is that, from the investigations conducted, it is revealed that the list contains some unlikely names that would surprise readers.
Recall that in our last edition, we reported exclusively the northern youth’s search for Younger Materials for 2023 election in line with their commitment to practically facilitate ‘Generational Shift.’
In the report entitled; Generational Shift: Northern Youth Commence Search for Younger Materials for 2023, we reported that the Arewa Youth have vowed that, “there is no going back in their resolve to enforce the generational shift, and have thus commenced a search for possible presidential materials among younger generation across the country.”
The Nigerian Xpress latest checks have revealed that a number of young materials between the age of 40 and slightly above 60 have been pencilled down, out of which a sizeable and manageable number would be zeroed on for secret screen commencing from January, 2022.
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We reported that the renowned activist and National President of the AYCF, Comrade Yerima Usman Shettima was very categorical about their unanimous decision to collaborate with other youth across the six geo-political regions of the country to look out for any vibrant youth, male or female viewed to be capable of steering the ship of the nation to the Promised Land.
Spelling out the criteria for eligibility, Yerima has this to say: “I am one of the voices advocating the issue of Generational Power Shift. I still stand firm on giving the younger generation a chance to govern this country. Some of us have a major role to play to ensure that we have a younger generation to come on board. We are determined to mobilise our younger generation across board from all parts of the country and make sure that anybody that may likely come up would be a very young man/woman with intelligence and capacity to deliver. That commitment has come to stay.”
On the age bracket, the Kaduna State born activist said:
“As for the age bracket, we are looking out for 45/50/55 or 60 years as the highest. But preferably, I will stand on the side of 45/50. Even if the age bracket I stand for is against me, it is fine because it is not about me but about the generality of Nigerians. And to some of us, we know who would not be president going by the age criteria we set. But we don’t know yet who would be among the younger generation. It is too early now to start announcing names. But I can assure you, at the right time, the cat would be let out of the bag.”
The List at a glance
1 Abdur-Rasheed Bawa
A lawyer, detective and security expert is the current Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crime Commission (EFCC). He was born in April 1980 in Kebbi State and he is 41 years old now. By 2023, he will be 43 years old. If he eventually becomes the President and spends eight years, he would just be 51 by 2031.
2 Yahya Adoza Bello
The Kogi State sitting governor was born in 1975. Presently, he is 46 meaning that by 2023, he will clock 48. He would also be 56 by 2031 if he becomes President in 2023 and spend two terms.
3 Umara Zulum
He is another serving governor in Borno State. Born in 1969 has made him a 52 years old man. By 2023, he will become a 54 years old man. By 2031 after two terms, he would be 62.
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4 Bello Matawalle
Zamfara State Governor was also born in 1969 like his Borno State counterpart, Zulum. He is also 52 now to become 54 in 2023 and 62 by 2031.
5 Abubakar Malami
He is the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice was born 1967 in Kebbi State. This senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), is now 54. By 2023, he would be 56 and become 64 in 2031.
6 Charles Soludo
The current Governor-elect of Anambra State and one time Governor, Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), was also born in 1967 like Malami. So, by 2023, he would also be 56 and become 64 in 2031.
7 Aminu Waziri Tambuwal
He was the former Honourable Speaker of the House of Representatives is the second term Governor of Sokoto State, the Seat of the Caliphate. He was born in 1966 making him a 55 years old man to become 57 in the election year of 2023. By 2031, he would be 65.
8 Kayode Fayemi
The present Ekiti State Governor, who doubles as the Chairman, Nigeria’s Governors’ Forum (NGF), was born in 1965 and is now 56 years old. By 2023, he will become 58. With two terms as president, he would be 66 in 2031.
9 Bukola Saraki
The immediate past President of the Senate and two terms Governor of Kwara State was born on 19th day of December 1962. In a few days’ time, the Ilorin born medical doctor cum politician will clock 58. So, by 2023, he will be 59.
10 Babatunde Raji Fashola
He is a lawyer and Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN). This two term Governor of Lagos State and current Minister of Works and Housing was born 1963. By 2023, he will become a Senior Citizen at 60. With eight years in Aso Villa, he would become a 68 years old man.
11 David Nweze Umahi,
Governor of Ebonyi State was also born in 1963 like Fashola. He is 58 now to join Fashola in the club of the Senior Citizens of Nigeria in 2023, the year of election. He would also be 68 in 2031.
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12 Atiku Abubakar Bagudu
The Kebbi State Governor was born 1961. He is 60 now and would be 62 in 2023 and 70 by 2031.
The Nigerian Xpress, however, gathered from reliable sources that, the search still continues till the first quarter of 2022 before the final list would be compiled for final screening and ratification.
It was further gathered that at the end of the day, a couple of older candidates could be added if experience becomes necessary. A close source to the Northern Youth Power House confided in our correspondent that, the Vice President, Professor Yemi Osinbajo can make the list at the end of the day and be considered for just a single term from 2023 to 2027.
Osinbajo, a Senior Advocate of Nigeiria (SAN), a Law Lecturer was at a time the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice in Lagos State under the administration of Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu as governor.
He was born in 1957 and is now 64 years old. By 2023, he will clock 66. If he eventually succeeded his boss, Presdent Muhammadu Buhari in 2023 and spend only one term, he will be 70 in 2027.
Other names that could still make the (awaiting), according to our checks include but not limited to Dr Uzor Orji Kalu, a current Senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and two terms governor of Abia State. He was born in 1960 and now 61. By 2023, he will be 63 and 71 in 2031
As the matter stands now, Nigerians have to wait till early next year to finally understand the northern youth’s mind about, “we don’t know who will be President but we know who would not be President!”