Rotimi Amaechi, Nigeria Minister of Transportation, has reacted to speculations that President Muhammadu Buhari and former Lagos Governor, Bola Tinubu had a pact on the 2023 presidency.
The circulation of the claim dates back to the months before the 2015 general elections.
A source hinted that after Tinubu was dropped as All Progressives Congress (APC) vice presidential candidate to douse opposition to a Muslim-Muslim ticket, a deal on 2023 was agreed with Buhari.
Nigeria’s Southern states and the incumbent People’s Democratic Party (PDP) then accused the APC of an Islamization agenda.
Power brokers rallied, calmed Tinubu and conceded the selection of Buhari’s running mate to him.
Former Lagos Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Yemi Osinbajo was picked ahead of Ekiti Governor, Kayode Fayemi.
Before the 2019 polls, the President was said to have re-assured the Jagaban of Borgu of the ticket.
Weeks later, Tinubu invited Bisi Akande, former Osun Governor and APC first National Chairman to join him on a visit to the Presidential Villa.
Tinubu, it was gathered, asked Buhari to restate his promise which the President allegedly affirmed. It is believed that the meeting took place in January 2018.
In an interview with Daily Trust, Amaechi stated that he was not privy to details of the alleged agreement.
The former Rivers Governor said he was not sure if Buhari and Tinubu held such a private meeting.
He added that as the Director-General of APC Campaign Organisation, he never witnessed such a decision.
“But if there was a private meeting between President Buhari and our leader, Tinubu, I wouldn’t know.
“If it was a public APC meeting and I was not there, then something must be wrong. I was not told that there was an agreement that power should be handed over to Tinubu”, Amaechi added.
A MUST TO READ
For your Advert Placement, Publicity, Press Release, Personality Promotion, Special Report, Featured story, Conference, Interviews, And So On – CONTACT US on WhatsApp/Call📞@ 08072633727 📲
NOTE: We wish to add you to our WhatsApp Database to get our Trending, latest and timely news directly into your WhatsApp Box as the news breaks.
Egypt head coach Hossam Hassan reportedly collapsed after his two wives got into a dramatic…
...The ceremony came one day before the commencement of campaigns for the presidential and National…
THE 2026 Ikogosi Road Race will take place on October 31 following official endorsement from…
THE daughter of veteran Yoruba actor, Taiwo Hassan, popularly known as Ogogo, has debunked reports…
All Progressives Congress, APC, governorship candidate in the just-concluded Osun State election, Asiwaju Munirudeen Bola…
THE Federal Government has announced that another batch of 83 Nigerians evacuated from South Africa…