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.
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