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Vice President Yemi Osinbajo has informed President Muhammadu Buhari of his interest in the 2023 presidential race according to Daily Trust.
The newspaper reported that sources disclosed that Osinbajo told Buhari that he would like to take over from him in 2023 to consolidate their achievements.
When the VP officially announces his interest in the 2023 presidential race, he would vie for the All Progressives Party (APC) ticket with the likes of Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, and Governor Dave Umahi of Ebonyi State.
Both Tinubu and Umahi had visited the president in January to inform him of their presidential ambition.
Senate Chief Whip, Orji Uzo Kalu, and Senator Rochas Okorocha have also declared their interests in the presidency on the platform of the APC.
There have also been reports that the Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi, the CBN Governor, Godwin Emefiele, and Governor Kayode Fayemi may contest for the APC ticket.
One of the sources that spoke to the newspaper 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.”
Another source said when Osinbajo approached the president to announce his interest, Buhari smiled, gave him the green light, and wished him well.
“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 a national television,” the source said.
Another source told Daily Trust that Osinbajo and Tinubu would view for the APC ticket, adding that whoever the president supports would have an upper hand.
“The projection in certain quarters that the VP will not contest against Tinubu is now over. The two of them who are from the southwest would confront each other. They both have their support bases but Tinubu, of course, is more of a politician than Osinbajo. He has more support base across the country but that notwithstanding, the truth is that whoever the president supports would surely have an upper hand,” the source said.
Meanwhile, ahead of the 2023 elections, the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) has set up a Directorate for Politics and Governance.
The church said the Directorate is expected to mobilise support for members interested in seeking political offices next year.
Hence, there have been claims that the church's political department was created because of Osinbajo's presidential ambition.
But the church has debunked the claim saying the political department has nothing to do with Osinbajo.