2023: Tinubu May Decamp To PDP, Settle For VP Position

By Uche Mbah

Indications are that the strong man of Bourdillon, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, may soon jettison his position as a national leader of the All Progressives congress, APC, preparatory to pulling out of the party he played a prominent role in it’s establishment and running, if information available to this magazine is to be believed.

In recent times, Tinubu appears to be swimming against the tide of public opinion in the South west due to his perceived silence and support for what an analyst called Fulani Oligarchs over the weekend. While he is busy with his political ambition, the South west has come under siege from herdsmen attacks. For example, reports indicate that Ile Ife road has become a haven for kidnappers and herdsmen.

Many Yoruba socio-cultural groups have voiced out their angst about the direction the APC is heading to, and has been overtly critical of the Central government. Tinubu has,  however, remained mute. This, analysts believe, is due to his ambition to become the President of Nigeria come 2023.

Tinubu himself gave fillip to the rumors when he said that he is under pressure to contest for the presidency in 2023. Even before then, many Northern leaders had come out to say that the Presidency will remain in the North. Even the Kaduna state governor, Nasiru el-Rufai, had to openly advice Lagosians on how to deal with Godfathers, a statement that sparked controversy within the Nigerian political space.

Tinubu had relocated to Abuja to influence the emergence of his candidates in the National Assembly elections, who will be beholding to him and help him in his bid towards 2023. But it appears he is up against tough times.

But indications that APC may crumbling has made him to re-strategize, sources claim. The Party chairman, Adams Oshiomhole, who was said to have been imposed on the party by Tinubu through a voice vote during their convention, suddenly became endangered. His deputy started the campaign for his resignation, and it caught on. And Tinubu is said to have decided on his next line of action.

Indications from credible sources are that he is consulting with the Sokoto state governor, Aminu Tambuwal, on the possibility of his being chosen as his running mate in 2023. Tambuwal has reportedly been preparing for the 2023 presidential elections, baring the out come of the Court case instituted by Atiku Abubakar, the presidential flag-bearer of the People’s Democratic Party, PDP. Tambuwal contested against Atiku during the Primaries.

If the alliance works, Tinubu may be forced to decamp to the PDP, which is gaining grounds through court judgements. And it will spell disaster for the APC. Tinubu has a deep pocket, apart from being an astute political strategist.

This alleged clandestine move has rattled the APC high command. Suddenly, the National working committee of the party are standing behind Oshiomhole. His immediate predecessor, John Oyegun, however, is understandably at the forefront of the Oshiomhole-must-go campaign.

Even those who were attacking him have begun to sing a different tune. El-Rufai has suddenly remembered that the was being pressurized to attack Tinubu. He also tries to rationalize his godfather statement, claiming it is not targeted at Tinubu. The Economic and Financial crimes Commission, EFCC, hinted that they may take a closer look at the Alleged Bullion Van scandal.

During the 2019 elections, some Bullion vans were seen being driven to Tinubu’s Lagos residence. Tinubu later allegedly claimed that the money was his, and that he was under no obligation to explain the circumstances under which they were taken to his house.

Rumors are rife that underground negotiations and horse tradings are going on to appease him. Only time shall tell how things will shape up in the long run.