Asiwaju Ahmed Tinubu, the APC’s national chieftain, has stated his intention to run as the ruling party’s presidential candidate. When he paid a visit to President Muhammadu Buhari at the Aso Rock Palace in Abuja, he made his objectives clear to the public. The former Lagos State governor is not the only candidate vying for the position, but he is a formidable opponent among party members.
Other candidates include Vice President Yemi Osibanjo, Orji Uzor Kalu, Ayim Pius Ayim, Governor Umahi, and many more. These are the candidates who have expressed their interest in running in the party’s primary election. Before receiving the party ticket, Asiwaju Tinubu would have to beat his contenders to it.
Undermentioned are some of the factors that could put his aspirations in peril.
1. Age and health status
There have been rumors that the APC’s national head is not feeling well. However, this seemed like a political ploy to prevent the former Lagos State governor from receiving the party’s nomination. You may remember that he visited the United Kingdom last year and stayed for many months before returning to Nigeria. Some Nigerians believe he had major surgery due to his health. However, his assistant has come out to contradict this, stating that his principal is fine.
Other doubts surround his birth certificate, which some say is older than the declared age. They believe they do not want a presidential candidate over the age of 70. They want someone who is younger than him.
2. The South-East component
Some APC members believe that the Southeast should be allowed to compete for the number one citizen seat. The presidential seat will be zoned to the south by the party. They believe that now is the moment for a southerner to be president.
3. Professor Yemi Osinbajo
According to certain political observers, Asiwaju Ahmed Tinubu may step down since Osinbajo is his political son. If there is a meaningful dialogue between the two parties, before the Vice President was elected in the 2015 presidential election, the APC’s national leader had a critical role. It’s possible that Asiwaju Tinubu, the leader of the party, will step down in favor of a younger professor, Yemi Osinbajo.
This is only a political implication. Anything may happen, and no one can predict what the ultimate consensus inside the party will be over who will represent them in the pool in the 2023 general election. As we approach election season, there will be a lot of drama in the political parties, and many bigwigs will defect to other parties.
