“I think there is nothing wrong at all if the North keeps power for century because democracy is all about numbers and we (North) have it.” These were the words of Professor Ango Abdullahi, Chairman of the Northern Elders Forum.
The next comment comes from Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai who is touted as Buhari's most likely successor should the Southwest's political calculations end in futility.
The Kaduna State Governor though yet to declare his interest to run for the top elective position in the country, said competence should be chosen over zoning as far as the number one seat in the country is concerned.
Speaking at a book launch sometime in August, El-Rufai said, “Barriers to political equality, such as our seemingly entrenched though informal rule for zoning candidacies according to regions of origin, need to be de-emphasised and ultimately abandoned in favour of an emphasis on qualification, competence and character.”
This statement by the Kaduna State government has been seen as a strong message to Southern political stakeholders who have since been clamoring for a power shift to the Southwest region.
There's the belief that the Southwest had rallied round president Muhammadu Buhari in the last two presidential elections in a bid to persuade the North to reciprocate by supporting a Southwest president in 2023. However, recent happenings in the country suggests the Southwest may be in for a shocker. The signs are already becoming clearer by the day.
When asked whether he'd have an anointed successor by the end of his tenor, Buhari said, "Succession? To me, this is very funny. If I find anybody, I will create more problems for him or her. Let those who want to be president try as much as I did.”
The above statement by the president is open to different interpretations, of course. However, it sounds more like good news to the North, than it is to the Southwest. This means the likelihood of an Osinbajo or Tinubu presidency in 2023, is up in the air.
The two Southwest leaders already had serious allegations levied against them with the former, Osinbajo, enmeshed in N90b FIRS corruption scandal. Osinbajo's political godfather, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu on the other hand, is now synonymous to bullion vans.
Osinbajo aside though, since his chances of topping Tinubu as preferred candidate from the Southwest is as tin as air.
Tinubu who is revered as a prominent political heavyweight in the Southwest, has been involved in lots of dubious activities capable of costing him his presidential ambition should he decide to vie for the APC presidential ticket.
As at the time of writing this, a petition has already been filed against Tinubu over bullion vans believed to have conveyed huge stash of cash allegedly meant to induce votes in the February 23rd elections.
While the presidency and the APC has turned a blind eye to calls for probe, political commentators believe the presidency has already been empowered with the information needed to nail Tinubu should the need arises.
A recent report by Sahara Reporters claims the petition to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission to investigate Tinubu over two bullion vans allegedly stashed with cash driving into his residence at Burdillion, Ikoyi, Lagos, on the eve of the February 2019 presidential election, is currently “lying fallow” at the office of the anti-graft agency.
Citing an unnamed source within the EFCC, the report says the petition which was filed by Rights activist, Deji Adeyanju, is “just hanging somewhere”, and that there is no effort or desire by the leadership of the commission to consider the petition for its merit or lack of it at the moment.
The lack of desire by the EFCC to consider the petition might be seen as a typical APC style of shielding one of its own from facing prosecution. However, an in depth look at the situation suggests Tinubu may be in for a devastating blow should the North which already made known their desire to hold unto power for a century, decide to turn against him.
One facebook user who commented on the post by Sahara, puts the whole thing in a better perspective.
Reacting via a comment, Godwin Ameh said, "Unfortunately, many can't see beyond the veil. Few months to 2023 elections, you will understand the potency of the petition. Unless and except he (Tinubu) losses Interest in the presidential ticket, then the petition will automatically become null and void. Otherwise, everything is a calculated move to broker the influence of the SW unity, by non other but the interested candidature of the northern political hopeful."
Similarly, Sylvanus Bahago also said, "It (the petition said to be lying somewhere) is called the "uncalled document". By 2022, it will be call upon."
Darlington Ugorji in same vein, said, "It (the petition) will be dusted and opened prior to 2023 elections. They are waiting for him, trust me!"
Of course, it all could be nothing but pure speculation and might actually work in favor of the APC National Leader. But as things currently stand, the above critical thinkers may just be spot on!
