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2023: Battle Begins For Buhari’s Successor

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By: Promise Oshewa

Just when the Popular American TV Series, Game Of Thrones ended with mixed reactions, it seems that in Nigeria’s political scene, a big battle of wits is about to unfold as the nation prepare for another election in 2023.

The 2023 will be exciting for pundits but very tough and unpredictable for the political gladiators because for the first time in many years, the incumbent, President Muhammadu Buhari, will not be on the ballot.

Many are already predicting that it will be the toughest election ever because within the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), there are so many heavyweights that may lead to a crisis.

Indeed, there are so many questions begging for answers? Will the APC survive as a party till 2023?Will the PDP be able to close ranks again for another shot at the Presidency?Will the Presidency be zoned to the South East as being canvassed? Will the North play its numerical card again going by the 2019 results and coast to victory?

How far will the politics of tribe and tongues go this time? Will the religious flag be flown as a kite this time around? Or will the Pedigree and Profile of the candidates be the deciding factor?

Unarguably, the South-East is the most marginalized in terms of power sharing in Nigeria’s 59 years history as an independent country.

The zone held power for six months during the military regime of late Major General Aguiyi Ironsi. South-East is followed by North-East (5 years and three months through late Sir Tafawa Balewa, who was prime minister from 1960 to 1966); and South-South (six years through Dr Goodluck Jonathan).

The most favoured zones are North-Central, which occupied the topmost seat for 18 years and five months through Generals Yakubu Gowon, Ibrahim Babangida and Abdulsalami Abubakar.

North-West, 17 and a half years, through General Murtala Muhammed, Alhaji Shehu Shagari, Buhari,late General Sani Abacha, and late Dr Umaru Musa Yar’Adua.

While the South West has had 12 years shared between General Olusegun Obasanjo, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo and Chief Ernest Shonekan.

Currently, the North has held power for 41 years and three months while the South has been in the saddle for 17 years nine months.

Yes, the Buhari-led administration is just about setting sail on its second term but believe it or not names of his possible successors have begun to hit the media.

Though none of these people have officially declared for the position, but their body language and hints dropped by their supporters are enough to give credence to the rumours making the rounds that  the battle  for who occupies the Aso Rock Presidential Villa in 2023 has begun in earnest.

Here is a list of Presidential Hopefuls

  1. Abubakar Atiku

Despite being defeated in the 2019 elections and still battling at the election tribunal, former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar is being mentioned as a 2023 candidate.

Though age may not be on his side, but Atiku will be one of the most eminently qualified Nigerians for the position of President. He has the name recognition, the resources and the enormous contacts to run such a humongous race again.

  1. Vice President Yemi Osinbajo

Professor Yemi Osinbajo assumed the office of Vice President on 29 May 2015 alongside President Muhammadu Buhari. As Vice President, many believe that he has accomplished himself well. He was able as Acting President to quell restiveness in the Niger Delta State which helped to stabilize Nigeria’s oil production. That was not all, As Acting President, his stint brought some calming effect on the polity and economy.

He is generally seen as a humble, easy-going Man of the people who has no airs around him. During the 2019 campaigns of the All Progressives Congress, Osinbajo held numerous town hall meetings across the country as against the popular rallies that many Nigerians and their politicians were used to.

It was during one of his campaign speeches that he told his audience that the South West should vote massively for Buhari because he desires the Presidency to come back to that zone in 2023.

“Yoruba have a crucial role to play in the 2019 elections so ensure that APC wins. We are looking at 2023. If we don’t do well in 2019, the opportunity might evade us” . Without any shadow of doubt, Osinbajo will be the most influential Yoruba man by virtue of his position by 2023.

  1. Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu

Senator Bola Ahmed Tinubu has been a dogged politician, who is firm and resolute about what he wants and what he believes in. In 1998 he was among the die-hard political class in the group ‘Afenifere’, insisting that Nigeria needs a true and participatory democracy.

He was one of those in exile who fought to return Nigeria to the path of democracy, and since 1999 when he won the election as Governor of Lagos, he has not let go.

His political sagacity is legendary, and he is said to be good at identifying and deploying talents. Though many Lagos political elites are beginning to grumble about his vice grip on the political structure of the state, his supporters believe he has the right foundation to take on and win power at the centre.

Apart from Gen Muhammadu Buhari (Rtd), Tinubu fondly called Jagaban is the other politician that vehemently refused to collapse his political structure to join the then ruling party: Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

Even when his government was at loggerheads with the Federal Government over allocations, due to the creation of LCDAs. He was firm and unwavering to the antics of the Obasanjo administration. He was instrumental to the victory of Mr John Odigie Oyegun as the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress. His preferred candidate Gen Muhammadu Buhari (Rtd)emerged the Presidential candidate of the All Progressives Congress ahead the 2015 election.

He was also instrumental to the choice of Prof Yemi Osinbajo as APC Vice-Presidential candidate. Indeed, Nigeria’s political story will be incomplete, without the mention of Asiwaju Bola Tinubu. His recent closeness with President Buhari including attending the lesser Hajj Umrah at the same time with Buhari is said to be targeted towards the 2023 goal.

  1. Dr Kayode Fayemi

Ekiti State Governor, Dr. John Kayode Fayemi who has just been elected the Chairman, Nigerian Governor’s Forum is now being mentioned in the 2023 race.

Fayemi who before his recent return as Governor was the Minister of Solid Minerals Development, is regarded as one of a very few technocrats in politics who are close to President Buhari.

In just a few months, he has restored the Gossy Water Factory in his state and cleared backlog of the civil service, he seems to be working as a man with a mission-and the mission, we gathered, may be to be President or Vice President come 2023.

  1. Mallam Nasir El-Rufai

Mallam Nasir Ahmed El Rufai is the Kaduna State Governor who recently caused a stir by challenging the issue of Godfatherism in Lagos.

Those in his camp said he will be the best man to run Nigeria on account of the way he has run his state. Though many see him as too unbending and controversial to run a multi-ethnic country like Nigeria, his supporters said the Nation’s needs a man with a strong heart and hand and El Rufai has both in good measure.

  1. Tony Onyemaechi Elumelu

Tony Onyemaechi Elumelu is a vast economist, entrepreneur, and philanthropist, with sophisticated experience that has transformed the Heirs Holdings, the United Bank for Africa, Transcorp and The Tony Elumelu Foundation to leading institutions among competitors.

His name came among these likely candidates as a result of many Nigerians expressing their dissatisfaction towards the continuous emergence of ‘regular’ politicians whose intelligence in the business world and how to make systems work effectively in not enough.

With undeniable landmark, this has been the testament of Elumelu over time in the institutions he chairs.

  1. Chief Orji Uzor Kalu

Former Abia State Governor Chief Orji Uzor Kalu is said to be in the race for 2023. Chief Orji who recently won election as Senator, Abia North and has begun campaigning for the post of Deputy Senate President has also contested for the nation’s top job before as a Member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). He believes strongly that it is the turn on Igbo to produce the President.

He stated in an interview; “It is the right thing to do, Nigeria is built on a tripod. When you allow the South East to have the Presidency by 2023 that will be the end of the civil war. The South East has had the Chief of Army Staff, the Inspector General of Police. So it is only natural for the South East to have the Presidency. No man has the capacity to divide this country, the country will fight such a man. It is not possible, so the fear in the minds of people that the Igbo are pushing for secession only amounts to imbalance in perception.”

“An Igbo president will bring prosperity to Nigeria, because the Igbo man or woman had the capacity for business and investment in areas outside their homeland.

“So, Igbo presidency is a thing the country should do with joy and pride in showcasing an Igbo man as President.”

8 Alhaji Aminu Tambuwal

Governor of Sokoto State: Aminu Waziri Tambuwal is another name that has popped up as the battle of 2023 gathers momentum.

Tambuwal who had a strong shot at the Presidency in 2018, coming a surprising second in the PDP Primaries is sure to also contest. Apart from having age on his side, he is reputed to have loads of friends and contacts in the southern part of Nigeria.

He is generally seen as calm and charming, as candidate he will draw on the tremendous experience of being Speaker Federal House of Representatives.

9 Babatunde Fashola, SAN

Babatunde Raji Fashola, SAN is currently Nigeria’s super Minister handling three portfolios of Power, Works and Housing. The member of the All Progressives Congress (APC) who as Governor of Lagos State made some giant strides is one of those whose name has been mentioned as a possible Presidential Candidate.

The Two-time Governor is seen a go-getter, a cerebral technocrat who truly believes in changing the lives of the people.

Though he has not covered himself in glory as Minister, Fashola is still seen as one of the few men who can build on the successes of the Buhari administration and turn the nation from poverty to prosperity.

In Lagos, his intervention on the environment, transport and agriculture was applauded by all. He was seen as reformer who impressively rose to become the poster boy of good governance.

Apart from the South-East and South-West, there are hordes of politicians all over the country, who are angling for the presidency and would readily run on the shortest path to the throne. Some of these politicians across the country calculate that with Buhari, the coast would be clear for them in 2023 because he would not be standing for election again. This is more so as the APC does not have power rotation in its constitution.

A member of the last National Conference organised by the immediate past President Goodluck Jonathan Administration, said northern power brokers want the North to keep the presidency for 12 years because in the last 20 years of democratic rule, the South ruled for 14 years.

Unarguably, the South-East is the most marginalised in terms of power sharing in Nigeria’s 59 years history as an independent country.

The zone held power for six months during the military regime of late Major General Aguiyi Ironsi. South-East is followed by North-East (5 years and three months through late Sir Tafawa Balewa, who was prime minister from 1960 to 1966); and South-South (six years through Dr Goodluck Jonathan). The most favoured zones are North-Central, which occupied the topmost seat for 18 years and five months through Generals Yakubu Gowon, Ibrahim Babangida and Abdulsalami Abubakar; North-West, 17 and a half years, through General Murtala Muhammed, Alhaji Shehu Shagari, Buhari,late General Sani Abacha, and late Dr Umaru Musa Yar’Adua; and the South-West through General Olusegun Obasanjo and Chief Ernest Shonekan. The North wants 12 years at a stretch to compensate for the three terms that the South had since the return of civil rule in 1999 through Chief Olusegun Obasanjo (eight years) and Dr. Goodluck Jonathan (six years). Currently, the North has held power for 41 years and three months while the South has been in the saddle for 17 years nine months.

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Tinubu’s ‘Boy-Boy’ Politicians

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By Emeka Obasi

There is a thin line between Stomach Infrastructure and Treachery. President Bola Tinubu will be in tears following the looming defections from other parties to the All Progressives Congress (APC). His question should sound like – where are the men?

Those who think the new normal is to fraternise with Aso Villa as turncoats probably do not know Tinubu well enough. He is one of the few Fourth Republic politicians that refused to  run away from  responsibility and challenge.

Did we ever hear that President Shehu Shagari bought over Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe or Chief Obafemi Awolowo, in the Second Republic? One prominent politician said Shagari held Zik in awe. And the last of Nigeria’s Governors – General and first President of independent  Nigeria, retained his honour.

In the Second Republic, there were many credible governors. Dee Sam Mbakwe would not be trampled upon by Shagari. No, not a man who took up the Abandoned Property fight on behalf of the Igbo. That was why the National Party of Nigeria (NPN) could not snatch Imo State and run away like they did with Anambra and Oyo States.

In Gongola State, Abubakar Barde had the honour to resign, just like Abubakar Rimi did in Kano. They stepped aside so that deputy governors Wilberforce Juta and Dawakin Tofa could continue with the struggle to keep integrity intact.

The country’s first political party, the Nigeria National Democratic Party (NNDP) formed in 1922, had men of honour. Herbert Macaulay, Adeniyi Jones, Karimu Kotun, Egerton Shyngle and Thomas Horatio Johnson were not so cheap to be bought by colonial pounds and shillings.

When the the National Council for Nigeria and the Cameroons (NCNC) was formed on August 26, 1944, the names behind it held their heads high. Macaulay as President, Zik , Secretary General, Adelakun Howells, Financial Secretary and Luis Ojukwu, Treasurer, the Imperialists could not divide them with cash.

The Fourth Republic has given Nigerian some of the worst politicians in History. Bandits, Armed Robbers, Terrorists and Cultists swagger like kings around us. Many of them walked into power from the motor parks and have continued to act like touts and street urchins.

Those who think that Tinubu is the beginning and end of politics, should go home, sit back and think well. As governor of Lagos State, the president, Dr. Olusegun Obasanjo, was a retired Army Four – Star general. Lagos was starved of funds because the governor created new Local Government Areas.

Tinubu did not panic. He confronted Obasanjo and when all other Alliance for Democracy (AD) governors were swept away by Operation OBJ, Tinubu stood like a lone iroko tree, firm and unmovable. His colleagues, Segun Osoba, Lam Adesina, Bisi Akande, Niyi Adebayo and Adebayo Adefarati lost out.

That Tinubu is still standing today is because he never ran away from crisis. He fought back. And has remained committed to the same ideal. While some governors continue to run from pillar to post, Tinubu is the pillar. From AD he created Action Congress (AC), changed it to Action Congress of Nigeria ( ACN) before floating the mega coalition, All Progressives Congress (APC).

I call him the Governor – General of Nigerian politics even if I detest the earthquake that welcomed his presidency and the hunger and poverty that keep us below acceptable standards.

Tinubu was neither President nor Vice President but under Gen. Muhammadu Buhari, he was known as Leader. Who will dare that today? Not even his predecessor who has quietly retired to Daura and Kaduna, to lead from nowhere.

Tinubu made Buhari. As APC leader, his men were in power and got juicy positions. However, after eight years, Buhari was bent on keeping power in the North. Senate President, Ahmed Lawal, was anointed to take over. The Central Bank passed death sentence on Tinubu’s presidential ambitions.

How Buhari, the general who promised to defeat Boko Haram, failed to realise that Tinubu was a political Field Marshal is something Strategists are still battling to unravel. The man who ran the Central Bank is still suffering the sins imposed on him by a Two – Star general.

This is where Nyesom Wike comes in. He may be painted darker than Lucifer. Give it to the FCT minister, he has remained in one party, the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) for 27 years. I think he is more intelligent than some PDP governors. While brandishing the umbrella, he is also sweeping with the broom.

Tinubu did it with Jonathan in 2011. He worked with the Zoologist. Luck smiled on Goodluck in all but one of Tinubu’s South – West States. Buhari cried, retired from politics and went back to Daura. The same man who helped make the general cry, fished him out in 2015, wiped his tears and made Buhari president.

There are no such treasurers in the Fourth Republic. And Tinubu knows the truth. The same politicians who are running away from their parties now, like Allen Avenue Roundabout whores, will also party with Tinubu’s enemies tomorrow. I love the fact that Tinubu has employed them as House Boys (Boy – Boy).

@Saturday Vanguard.

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65 Gun Salute to Dele Momodu, A Pen General, Mentor and Reservoir of Knowledge

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By Sunny Irakpo

“A child that washes his hands clean dine with the elders” (Isoko Proverb) .

Bob Dee as we fondly call you sir, You keep dinning with the elders till today because you have washed your hands clean.

You are very Proverbial, so I have come to pay my homage thus, knowing that what we eat surely tells on us.

My path crossed with you 3rd of May, 2010 at the University of Lagos, where a programme was organised by a fellow corper during my National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) days.

As a personality whom I admire so much on National television and long to see, on that fateful day, my joy was endless to see you walked in and after the event boldly walked-up to you to introduced myself and as a sharp Delta boy briefly share my vision to campaign against drug abuse in Nigeria, used a stone to kill two birds by extending an invitation as Guest Speaker for my progam that took place on the 21st May, 2010 at Methodist Boys High School, Lagos, Nigeria.

You replied me immediately, I love your Vision and I will be there.

I kept following up with prayerful text messages though without reply from you, my feeling was in doubt and slimmer resulted me to concluded that this, na one of these Nigerian elites characterized with promise and fail.

To my greatest surprise, 30mintes to my event, Bob Dee gave me a call and said I am close to your event Oga.

He likes to call everyone Oga. A sense of bosslessness to make everyone feel adequate around him.

My heart was merried and excited that a high profile Nigerian like him graced my occassion.

So Dele Momodu landed at the venue with shout of joy from corpers who filled the hall to the brim to welcome him with me. His reply to me after he saw the crowd was “Sunny you are a great man”. I smiled and said Thank you sir. I will support this Nation building cause with the little I have, and through the Ovation media group , I have enjoyed his support, giving media mileage to the SILEC Initiatives that have move from local to become a global brand to the glory of God and benefit to humanity.

You have given me your shoulder to stand to see further in life. Many have that same shoulder but they refused to allow such standing.

From entertainers you have helped in the entertainment industry to the common Nigerians whom you have touched their lives in one way or the other can also testify of your benevolence.

We have not started not to talk of getting there because the journey of success is a long one. For all that you have done to support me and vision, once again I use this opportunity to say thank you in a million times sir. Your birthday is so special because its reminds me of my struggle for the good Nigeria, and coincide with SILEC Initiatives anniversary of 15years campaign against drugs and substance abuse to rescue the Nigerian youth from drug addiction.

As you officially attain the status of an Elder Statesman today being 16th May, 2025, On behalf of my family, friends,partners, the Board of Trustees and Members of SILEC Initiatives, I join men and women of goodwill to celebrate a distinguished Nigerian of International repute, a Pan Africanist, Pen-Tyson, Political J.J, Philantropist, Media Guru, Patriot, Socialite, Nation Builder, Role Model and a Voice to the Voiceless in our society.

On this joyous occassion where we shall be receiving former Presidents of the Federal Republic of Nigeria His Excellency Dr. Goodluck Ebele Jonathan (GCFR) and His Excellency Olusegun Okikiola Aremu Obasanjo (GCFR) respectively to the Dele Momodu Leadership Lecture tagged: How to End Hunger & Poverty in Africa ,is a true testament of my earlier proverbial statement as a child who have washed his hands clean, to pull these Heads of State with good State of Heads, we are thus inspired and motivated, as we learn the more from the political fathers of our time at this critical moment of our national life.

You are a beacon of hope, living legend, and an inspiration to many young people like myself.

Heaven and earth knows that you have paid your due.

“Expect God’s Dew.”

It is my prayers that this landmark achievement launches you to another glorious realm to accomplish all that you have dreamt.

May evil nor sorrow finds no expression in your life and family.

Multiplicity of years in good health,God’s mercies and fervent Grace to enjoy your wealth, see your grand/great grandchildren.

Oh Lord be good to them that are good. Dele Momodu is a good man!

My mentor, I rejoice and celebrate you today and always.

You know that I am proud of you sir.

Happiest 65th Birthday to the latest Elder Statesman in Nigeria.

Amb. Sunny Irakpo is the Founder/President, SILEC Initiatives (IVLP USA)

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Tinubu Salutes Osun State Governor Adeleke on 65th Birthday

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“President Bola Tinubu extends warm felicitations to the Osun State Governor, Senator Ademola Adeleke, on his 65th birthday on May 13.

“The President notes that the Peoples Democratic Party governor has created a niche for himself as a politician of reckoning not only in Osun State but also across the country and beyond.

“Adeleke was first elected Senator representing Osun West Senatorial District in 2017, taking over from his late brother, Senator Isiaka Adeleke, before becoming governor in 2022.

“Commending Governor Adeleke, President Tinubu notes that he has proven to be pan-Nigerian in his way of life and governance philosophy, exemplified by his Yoruba and Igbo heritage.

“The President personally prays for more years, good health and God’s infinite mercies on Governor Adeleke, the Asiwaju of Edeland, his hometown.”

Bayo Onanuga,
Special Adviser to the President,
(Information & Strategy)
May 13, 2025

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