Rumor of a potential move to the All Progressives Congress (APC), by former president Goodluck Jonathan, may have just been confirmed dead.
Until now, Jonathan has been tipped to be Buhari's most likely successor, ahead of the likes of APC National Leader, Bola Tinubu, and Buhari's vice, Yemi Osinbajo, both of whom are believed to be contenders for the party's sole presidential ticket.
The rumor of Jonathan's potential switch to the APC, had gained steam following a meeting between Buhari and Jonathan at the Presidential Villa last month.
According to a report by SaharaReporters, citing 'a reliable source', Buhari and some Northern elites want power to return back to the North aa quickly as possible should the south insist on zoning. To achieve this, the North would rather favor Jonathan who constitutionally, is eligible for election as president for only a single term, instead a Tinubu or even an Osinbajo presidency come 2023.
The report also claimed Jonathan is already up and about making consultations, suggesting the former President probably accepted Buhari's offer.
“Following the successful meeting on Thursday with Buhari, Jonathan has also moved swiftly to hold a strategic meeting with South-South ministers and will hold a national ministers' meeting under his government afterwards as a prequel to formal declaration.
“The meeting which held under the South-South 2023 Presidency group headed by Jonathan's associate, Mr Dikivie Ikiogha, took place at Mrs Patience Jonathan's Aridolf Hotels and Spars.
“If the plan goes well, Jonathan will choose a serving Northern governor as running mate. The most likely candidate for that will be Governor Babagana Zulum of Borno State,” the source revealed.
While it is too early to dismiss any possibility, a recent statement by Buhari's aide, Bashir Ahmad, has but confirmed that Jonathan may not be dropping the umbrella after all.
Bashir who was responding to a question on Twitter on who he thinks would succeed Buhari between Jonathan and Tinubu, picked Tinubu over the former president.
“Bashir, I want to ask you a question and same time with a honest reply without being biased. Btw Tinubu and GEJ, who would you prefer to take over from your boss? You also want the best for us too,” asked Sylva White.
“Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu!” was Bashir's response.
Meanwhile, Buhari has made it clear that he does not care about who succeeds him.
During a television interview he granted earlier in the year, Buhari had said, “2023 is not my problem, I don’t care who succeeds me, let the person come, whoever the person is. All important things I make sure I put them on record. Nobody should ask me to come and give any evidence in court, otherwise, whoever it is will be in trouble.
“I don’t have a favourite for 2023 in my party, I wouldn’t because he will be eliminated before I mention, it is better I keep it a secret.”