2023 Presidency: Aspirants Galore Good For Democracy – Tinubu

• As Fayemi, Oshiomhole, Akpabio join growing list

BY SEGUN ADEBAYO – National Leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and self-assured leading contender for the party’s sole presidential ticket, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, says the growing list of aspirants is a good omen for the country’s democracy.

He said the development is healthy and would certainly keep all contestants on their toes as they seek to convince the party faithful of their aspirations and capacity to give APC a competitive and robust representation at the 2023 general elections.

According to the former Lagos State governor; “The more the merrier. The more they come, the more challenging it becomes for you to think deeply, focus on issues and be ready to serve Nigeria.”

The Jagaban of Lagos, who visited President Muhammadu Buhari in Aso Villa, Abuja on Tuesday night, however, debunked fears over possible implosion within the ruling party arising from the contending interests of aspirants.

Responding to reporters’ enquiries on the likelihood of a post-primary heat in the party due to disaffection among the contenders that would have lost out on the political calculations, Asiwaju Tinubu said there is no cause for alarm.

Hear him; “It’s all about service, nothing else. Think wisely, get committed to your thinking to serve the nation and bring progress and prosperity to the lives of Nigerians.

“It’s good for the country that so many of us are aspiring to lead; we’re not abandoning our nation. But there’s only one chair and one possibility. We will do that.”

The APC National Leader further said; “The more the merrier. The more they come, the more challenging it becomes for you to think deeply, focus on issues and be ready to serve Nigeria.

On fears being expressed about the unity and cohesiveness within the ruling party, the stalwart noted that APC would remain intact and united after its presidential primaries.

He said with President Buhari’s demonstrated commitment and support for a transparent democratic process, “We are sure that we will remain united. You know our symbol is the broom; you don’t break it as you go.

“Nigeria requires commitment, a uniform system and a stable country and that is the only way we can be very proud of Nigeria.

“The President has shown a great example of leadership, gave us the freedom to say you want to run, you want to attempt, go ahead. He is a democrat and if we are running a constitutional democracy, you don’t hinder the desire, the wish of other people.”

Tinubu, who also saluted the President on the successful Eid-el-Fitr celebrations, lauded his genuine efforts at confronting the challenges bedevilling the country, saying; “The President has shown a great example of leadership. He’s been very honest and forthright with Nigerians.

“Yes, we’ll continue to be challenged within this short period, but it’s left for us, the followers, to help, to be ready, to persevere and give hope to the populace and yes, we can do it. We will do it.”

Meanwhile, as of Wednesday, May 4, 2022, inside sources hinted that about 13 individuals have so far purchased the Expression of Interest and Nomination forms for the APC presidential race.

A competent source said with the way things are panning out, the ruling Party may have up to 20 aspirants entering the presidential race.

Aside from Asiwaju Tinubu and Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, who have indicated interest, the growing list of aspirants now include former Imo State Governor Rochas Okorocha; governors Yahaya Bello (Kogi); Dave Umahi (Ebonyi); and Ben Ayade (Cross River); Minister of Transportation Rotimi Amaechi; Minister of State for Education Emeka Nwajiuba; and Ekiti State Governor Kayode Fayemi who have all declared their intentions publicly.

Others include Senate Deputy Whip Orji Uzor Kalu, who may have already withdrawn from contesting the position; Niger Delta Affairs Minister, Senator Godswill Akpabio; and former APC National Chairman, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole; Minister of Labour and Employment Chris Ngige; former House of Representatives Speaker, Hon Dimeji Bankole; Ihechukwu Dallas Chima; and Usman Iwu.

Another source also hinted that while Governor Abubakar Badaru of Jigawa state has already bought the nomination form to join the political fray, fiery preacher and founder of Citadel Global Community Church (formerly Latter Rain Assembly), Pastor Tunde Bakare, is expected at the APC National Secretariat in Abuja to obtain his forms today, Thursday, May 5, 2022.

Also on line to make formal declarations and throw their hats into the ring are former Governor of Ogun State, Ibikunle Amosun; Minister of Science and Technology, Chief Ogbonnaya Onu; and party’s stalwarts, Mrs Uju Kennedy; Tein Jack-Rich; and Adamu Garba.

With the party extending the deadline from May 6 to May 10, there are indications that more aspirants might take advantage of the four-day extension window on the sale of forms to join the race