Like it or not, the permutations and politicking for 2023 is already taking place albeit behind the curtains and away from the public view but the fact is, what will be for 2023 is already being decided behind some desks and sitting rooms.
In this article, an x-ray of the chances of Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu come 2023 is done as the permutations begin.
Bola Ahmed Adekunle Tinubu (born 29 March 1952) is an astute Nigerian politician.
His political career began in 1992, on the platform of the Social Democratic Party (where he was a member of the faction of the Peoples Front led by Shehu Musa Yar’Aduaand made up of other politicians such as Dapo Sarumi, Abdullahi Aliyu Sumaila, Rabiu Kwankwaso and Yomi Edu). He was elected to the Nigerian Senate, representing the Lagos West constituency in the short-lived Nigerian Third Republic in 1993.
The election was just prior to a military take-over in December 1993.
After the return to democracy, he was elected governor of Lagos State, holding office from 29 May 1999 to 29 May 2007.
Tinubu was very instrumental to the enthronement of President Buhari back in 2015. It’s widely believed that Buhari would not have won the Presidential election back then had it not been with the assistance of Bola Tinubu and the then Action Congress.
Many point to Buhari’s three time failed attempt at the presidency when he contested under the Congress for Progressive Change (CPC) in 2003, 2007 and 2011.
It is not clear if there was gentleman’s agreement between the two, but indications point to such and it appears both men are working towards Tinubu succeeding him come 2023 just as they might have agreed. Rub my back and I’ll rub yours.
But what are Tinubu’s chances come 2023 against a likely Northern candidate being fielded by the Peoples Democratic Party, moreover what are Tinubu’s chances against the Northern caucus within the All Progressives Congress.
Already a number of voices have spoken up against his candidature even within the ruling party.
Just recently, President of the Arewa Youth Consultative Forum (AYCF), Alhaji Yerima Shettima insisted that the north will produce the next president of Nigeria come 2023.
In an interview with New Telegraph, the youth leader said that the north had not been favoured by the President Buhari led administration.
He said: “I don’t know who is going to be the next president of Nigeria until we see those who will declare interest.
However, talking about the zone, which should produce the president in 2023, I have said it on many occasions that the North will produce the next president and you could see that the issue is becoming very clear. “I don’t just make pronouncement on something I am not sure of.
We are sure that this government has not favoured the North. This government is purely a South-West government. They have taken everything.
Shettima also said that the only thing that is holding the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) together is President Buhari, adding that the party will die before 2023.
Another frontline politician and chieftain of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), Hon. Adamu Kuta, from APC Niger state came all out recently to also criticize Tinubu for expressing his 2013 presidential ambition.
The APC chieftain, had in an interview, with newsmen in Minna said that the APC national leader is not the president Nigeria wants in 2023. Hear him:
“I like Tinubu as a person and he has contributed immensely to the success of our party, but honestly he is not the kind of president Nigeria needs in 2023,” Kuta said.
“Nigerians need someone that can continue with the achievements and the foundation that Buhari has laid… we want someone that can continue from where he will stop in 2023.”
But just as there are dissenting voices against his ambition which interestingly he hasn’t come out to categorically declare, there are also those who are in his support.
One of such notable voice is an unusual personality and known antagonist of Tinubu now turned crusader, former Minister of Works and Housing and former member of the Peoples Democratic Party, Mr. Adeseye Ogunlewe.
The former minister of works under President Olusegun Obasanjo’s administration says Bola Tinubu has all it takes to become Nigeria’s President come 2023.
Describing Tinubu as a dogged fighter, Ogunlewe told Sun that he former Lagos state governor has “paid his dues”.
He noted that only Nigerians would decide Tinubu’s fate in a free and fair election if he contests for the position.
“If Senator Bola Ahmed Tinubu wants to contest, let him contest,” he said.
“I believe 2023 should be thrown open. Nobody should be shut out. There is nothing wrong about Southwest showing interest. We are talking about democracy. To shut out some people or group is undemocratic.
“What is the noise about Tinubu all about? Is Tinubu not qualified to contest? I will support Tinubu if he wants to contest. Tinubu has paid his dues. If Tinubu wants to contest, let him contest, and let Nigerians decide his fate.
“Tinubu is a dogged fighter. He has triumphed over many challenges. He has seen it all. He can do it if given the chance.
“Tinubu is from the Southwest, and anything for the progress of Southwest, I’m for it. If the 2023 project is for Southwest interests, then I’m now on the same page with Tinubu, and I have no apology for it,” Ogunlewe declared.
So if this road clears for Tinubu within the ruling party, what are his chances on the main center stage and can he really win?
This is a big question to which many opine that the hurdles are all stacked against him.
It is most probable that should Tinubu emerge as the presidential flag bearer of the ruling party come 2023, he most probably will be contending against Atiku Abubakar whose desire to be president is widely known and who might again end up being the PDP’s presidential flag bearer come 2023.
But here is the analysis and take of this writer;
One key figure Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu will be counting on and he really needs is the current number one citizen right now, President Muhammadu Buhari.
President Buhari’s style of allowing things play out on their own is well known but should the President stick his neck out and throw his weight behind the candidature of the National leader, then things can and will work out well for him.
This is because the north runs a hierarchical social system. This essentially puts much authority on the political figure or traditional ruler such that whatever such an individual has to say to his people, that is what they will do and tag along ever so willingly.
Should Tinubu get the support of the Buhari and the Northern caucus in the All Progressives Congress then he might be well on his way to getting the northern block votes which is very much needed by anyone who hopes to win the presidential election.
Lets have your thoughts below.