By Akinwale Kasali
The Vice President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo has continued to receive support from different groups in his yet-to-be declared interest to succeed President Muhammadu Buhari in 2023.
This time a Northern Group under the aegis of Arewa Consensus Assembly, has canvassed for the micro-zoning of the Presidency to the South-Western part of the country in the interest of justice and equity.
The Group said contrary to the insinuation and agitation by some people from Northern extraction, clamoring for the Presidency to be retained by the North, it will further divide the country if it happens.
It stressed that there should be equitable distribution of power, for the nation to remain United.
At a Press Conference in Kaduna, Chairman of the group, Daniel Shawulu, said the real interest of the North is about the vast majority of the people and not the parochial interest of a few politicians who, he said, are usually more vocal and claim to speak on behalf of the region.
He equally endorsed the candidature of Osinbajo as the person to succeed President Buhari.
Shawulu noted that there is responsibility on the part of leaders to build and foster confidence between the different ethnicities and geo-political zones of Nigeria.
It added that the country at the moment needs someone with requisite insight to consolidate the much-desired results and continuity of the structural programs commenced by the present administration.
The endorsement of Osinbajo, Shawulu said, is based on his competence and knowledge of the current socio-economic and security challenges confronting the country.
“The real solution of maintaining sufficient control relevance in Nigerian national politics is for the north to champion rotation to the South-West.
“The conference admits and recognises that Nigeria is in a delicate situation and our unity is fragile because of security challenges that have been clocked many times in religious and ethnic approach, especially by propagandists.
“The joint conference admits that the acceptable next President of Nigeria must have an appeal that crosses ethnic, religious and demographic lines, especially the youths considering the most recent history and trajectory of Nigeria.
“Such a person must have a demonstrated record of service at the national level and the history of believing in the unity of Nigeria, integrity and a proven record of modesty, energy, experience and conduct that is exemplified and inspired confidence across the entire country and not negotiable.
“The joint conference notes that the Vice President, Professor Yemi Osinbajo fits and addresses the question of balance, qualities and attributes expressed and resolved by the joint conference.”
Days ago, the Billboards and Posters of Osinbajo’s Presidential aspiration surfaced in the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Abuja, indicating the preparedness of his supporters to convince him to join the 2023 Presidential race and wrestle with his political mentor, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
Osinbajo was Lagos State Attorney General under the Tinubu Governorship of Lagos State.
The campaign banners have the inscription, “Join us, Nigeria asks for Osinbajo 2023.”
