By John Ikani
Presidential hopeful and National Leader of Nigeria’s ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), Bola Ahmed Tinubu has disowned Vice President Yemi Osinbajo as his ‘political son.’
Tinubu made this known while speaking with newsmen after meeting with some governors of the ruling party at the Kebbi State Governor’s Lodge, Asokoro, Abuja on Monday.
Osinbajo who is seen by many as Tinubu’s political son, had in the early hours of Monday threw his hat into the 2023 presidential ring, ending years of speculations that he is interested in succeeding his principal, President Muhammadu Buhari by May next year.
Asked to comment on Osinbajo’s declaration for Nigeria’s Presidency, Tinubu – who is also aspiring for the the same office under the ruling APC – simply said: “I don’t have any son grown up enough to make such declaration.”
He went on to note that his meeting with the APC governors was aimed at seeking collaboration, support and encouragement concerning his 2023 presidential ambition.
With Monday’s declaration, Osinbajo joined the increasing number of high-profile Nigerians who have declared their interest in the country’s presidential post under the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
He will be contesting the APC Presidential primary against Bola Tinubu; the Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi; Ebonyi State Governor, Dave Umahi; and Governor Yahaya Bello of Kogi State.
The Vice President, who turned 65 last month, is a Senior Advocate of Nigeria and a former lecturer at the University of Lagos. He is also a Senior Pastor with the Redeemed Christian Church of God.
Osinbajo began his public office career in 1988 as an Adviser (legal advice and litigation) to the Attorney-General and Minister of Justice, Bola Ajibola, a position he held for four years.
He was nominated as Buhari’s running mate in 2014 and was elected alongside Buhari in 2015. During his seven-year tenure as Vice-President, Osinbajo served as acting President for more than 120 non-consecutive days while his principal was on medical leave in London between 2016 and 2018.
