2023 Presidency: Tinubu to dump APC for SDP

As 2023 Presidency becomes even more contentious, realities are beginning to dawn on Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, 9news Nigeria reports.

If Aso rock cabals follow through on their threat to deny him the APC ticket, 9news Nigeria learns that Bola Ahmed Tinubu, a chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), is reportedly formulating alternate measures to realize his 2023 presidential dream.

According to insider sources, Tinubu, who does not want to be caught off guard during the APC primaries, is allegedly joining forces with leaders of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) for a smooth sail to the party if the primaries do not go his way. This information was obtained by 9news Nigeria from inside sources in Tinubu’s camp.

There are hints that President Muhammadu Buhari prefers a younger person to be his successor and clearly Tinubu is not the person, and the latter is aware of this and looking for a way out of the jam.

“The President wants someone younger, and Tinubu is not that person.” If the presidency is assigned to the south, Fayemi aspires to be President.”

Buhari declined to reveal his preferred candidate in January, claiming that the person could be killed.

Insiders in Ekiti said over the weekend that Tinubu intends to test the waters with the governorship race on June 18, 2022.

Governor Kayode Fayemi, who is apparently interested in running for president, “does not fully support” the ex-Lagos governor’s aspirations.
Tinubu is “tactically aligning” with Segun Oni, a former Ekiti Governor and Social Democratic Party (SDP) flagbearer, who is well aware of this.

Fayemi’s supporter, Biodun Oyebanji, a former Secretary to the State Government (SSG), defeated Ojo Kayode, Opeyemi Bamidele, and Dayo Adeyeye to win the APC ticket.

The theory is that with Oyebanji, 54, as Governor, the state administration and party chapter will be less likely to push for Tinubu’s election as President.

The Jagaban of Borgu is disposed to stopping Fayemi from installing a next-in-line not only for refusing to support his bid but daring to join the presidential race.

“The President wants a younger person and that’s not Tinubu. Fayemi wants to be President if the office is zoned to the South”, a source said.

“If he fails, he may get the SGF (Secretary to the Government of the Federation) position as long as the next President or Vice are not from South-West.
“Tinubu is monitoring all that’s happening and he seems to have pitched his tent with the SDP. The truth is that civil servants like Oni are ready to vote for him.
“With his cold war with Fayemi and Oni’s popularity, Tinubu has developed a soft spot for the SDP. And this isn’t just about Ekiti election, he may contest on the platform if APC denies him a ticket”, another source averred.

It was gathered that Oni’s running mate, Otunba Ladi Owolabi was picked after consultations with Tinubu’s camp. Oni, 67, is from Ifaki while Owolabi, 68, is an Ado Ekiti indigene.

During Tinubu’s visit to Ekiti monarchs a fortnight ago, the state government allegedly frustrated the use of the Adetiloye Hall.

“The authorities stopped the use of the venue because Fayemi isn’t working for his political leader’s ambition. In fact, by the time Tinubu landed, Fayemi left the state via helicopter.

“They said he had to be in Abuja. He could have briefly showed up at the parley with the Obas but didn’t want to be seen with Tinubu in such a gathering”, another source hinted.

The Onisan of Isan Ekiti, Oba Gabriel Ayodele Adejuwon is Chairman of the Council of Traditional Rulers. Fayemi hails from Isan.

The meeting was eventually held at the palace of the Ewi of Ado Ekiti, Oba Adeyemo Adejugbe, where Tinubu decried “hopelessness, hunger and lack of development” in the land.

“We can not just be talking of airport alone in Ekiti, we should boast of good roads and better education system and better future for our children.
“We are here to answer the call of our forefathers to build a nation that will be united, prosperous and happily developed. I need your prayers to achieve this mandate.

“We are here to renew the hope of Nigeria and make the country better for our children. I have been on the issue of Nigeria since 70s. (MKO) Abiola was brought out by us, we fought for democracy”, he stated.

The late Abiola, a business mogul and philanthropist, won the 1993 presidential election. He contested on the platform of the SDP.

9news Nigeria