APC may sanction Osinbajo if he pursues his presidential ambition

The South-West chapter of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) may isolate Vice President Yemi Osinbajo if he decides to pursue his presiden­tial ambition in 2023 on the party’s platform, Daily Independent has been reliably informed.

One of the leaders, on Wednesday, said it would amount to the “greatest treachery in the history of the South-West” if Osinbajo decides to square up against his benefactor and leader, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, former Lagos State governor and APC nation­al leader.

Tinubu had, on Monday, informed Pres­ident Muhammadu Buhari of his de­cision to run for the office of President in 2023.

While describing his desire to occupy the highest political office as “a lifelong ambition”, Tinubu, however, said he had not publicly disclosed his am­bition to Nigerians as he was still in consultations with var­ious interest groups across the country.

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On the part of Osinbajo, even though several groups across the country have been calling for him to run, he had said he is focused on his job now as President Buhari’s deputy and will decide on whether he is going to contest at the appro­priate time.

When asked if Osinbajo would also inform President Buhari as Tinubu did, one of his aides told Daily Independent that his principal is very much interest­ed in vying for the number one office in the country.

The aide, who said Tinubu’s declaration won’t stop Osinbajo from contesting, however, said unlike Tinubu, who went to Aso Rock Villa to inform the president of his intention to contest, Osinbajo is waiting for directives from President Buhari on the way forward for the 2023 presidential election.

Also, a leader of the South- West APC who is a close asso­ciate of Tinubu said they were keeping their fingers crossed and waiting for the vice pres­ident to make his bid known before taking action.

On what they would do if he declares, he said they would be faced with no option than to ostracise him as nobody will have anything to do with him the South-West.

“I have read all the reports so far. While I can categorically tell you that Asiwaju will contest for the presidency in 2023 un­der our party, I cannot say that for the vice president because he has so far denied having any presidential ambition.

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“Even if he has, I know it cannot be under APC because to me, I can’t imagine Asiwaju squaring up against his protégé whom he nominated to Presi­dent Buhari as running mate in APC presidential primary.

“So, Tinubu will ask South-West delegates to vote for him in pri­mary and the vice president will also do the same?

“I believe he (Osinbajo) is a complete gentleman and will not allow some mischief mak­ers make him lose the respect we have for him.

“Our position is clear if truly he decides to con­test. He may be ostracised and isolated and nobody will have anything to do with him.

“They said he is waiting for directives from Mr. President, without Asiwaju, does Buhari know Osinbajo? If Asiwaju said he wants to become president today, the number one person that should take that project like his own is the vice president.

“But so far, he has not said anything about it. Also, he has not condemned all those rubbishing Asiwaju and say­ing that he (Osinbajo) is the best man to succeed President Buhari in 2023.

“Like I said, we are waiting for him to state his position on the 2023 presidency. Then, we too in the South-West APC will clearly state our position on where we belong”, he said.

Also, on Wednesday, Richard Akinnola, renowned journalist and lawyer, said he has informed some of his friends who are very close to Tinubu that he is backing Osinbajo for the 2023 presidential election.

In a post titled ‘I Have Decid­ed’, Akinnola, a close associate of the vice president said even though Tinubu is eminently qualified to become Nigeria’s president, he strongly believes that Osonbajo is the best man for the job.

He wrote, “My name is Richard Akinnola. At my age and pedigree, I don’t hide behind a finger. I go by my convictions. I have told some friends who are very close to Asiwaju my posi­tion.

“They know I have nothing personal against him. But in re­spect of this 2023 presidential race, I stand by and with Prof. Yemi Osinbajo SAN.

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“I settled this with God and I’m at peace with my choice and decision. I’m not against any­body and I don’t inherit other people’s enemies. Asiwaju has paid his dues and he is eminently qualified but…

“Also in the PDP, I have friends who are eminently qual­ified and have shown interest in the presidency. But as it is, I can only support one person per time.

“I’m not foisting my position on anybody. You are free to dis­agree and follow whomsoever you choose. I have made my choice.

“That is what democra­cy is all about. It would be sim­plistic to just pin this project to PYO. This is a movement that has taken a life of its own, beyond PYO who has been so much engrossed in state du­ties.

“There are larger interests involved but I can’t go into de­tails. As far as this project is involved, I’m fully persuaded and fully involved”.