After hiding for some months, Vice President Yemi Osinbajo has finally summoned courage to declare intention run for the office of the presidency in 2023.
This is as the VP has informed President Muhammadu Buhari of his aspiration to become his successor in 2023, it was learnt.
After the National Leader of the All Progressives Congress, Bola Tinubu, who many believe to be Osinbajo’s godfather, declared his presidential ambition, there have been doubts if the VP will still want to run.
However, sources said at the weekend that Osinbajo had informed Buhari of his interest to become Nigeria’s next president in order to consolidate on the achievements both of them have recorded since assuming power in 2015.
With Osinbajo making his ambition known, it is now clear that he will have to contend with Tinubu, his supposed godfather, and other APC presidential aspirants, for the presidential ticket of the ruling APC.
Other politicians said to be interested in the party’s presidential ticket include the Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi; the CBN Governor, Godwin Emefiele; Ekiti State Governor Kayode Fayemi, the Senate Chief Whip, Orji Uzi Kalu; and Ebonyi State Governor David Umahi, and former Imo State governor, Senator Rochas Okorocha.
One of our sources said, “Certainly, VP Osinbajo has told the president that he wants to succeed him.
“The vice president had first consulted some prominent Nigerians who encouraged him to vie for the presidency and they also encouraged him to tell the president himself.
“They told him not to allow a third party to tell the president so that the ambition will not be misconstrued.”
According to another source, when Osinbajo told Buhari of his ambition, the president was not surprised.
The source said, “Buhari smiled in his usual characteristic manner…he listened to the VP carefully and while responding, he gave him the green light and wished him well without giving him any commitment or assurance of supporting him ahead of other contenders.
“He blessed the intention just the way he blessed Tinubu when he visited him in the Villa and unveiled his plan to vie for the presidency.
“And I think the president is being careful. Remember what he said while granting an interview to national television.”
Yet, many peo-Tinubu groups and individuals have warned Osinbajo to desist from his ambition to contest with his benefactor.
They warned Osinbajo not to be an ingrate or be pushed to become Tinubu’s enemy.
