TINUBU: 2023 TO BE OR NOT TO BE?

The Political Juggernaut started with the right foot to show his interest as an eligible replacement for President Buhari come 2023 by hosting his yearly colloquium that marked his 69th birthday last year in Kano State. It was an opportunity to assess his political weight and chances towards his Presidential ambitions.

The Bola Tinubu Colloquium which is now an institution held the 12th edition last year in the State of one of the powerful Northern Political Leaders, Governor Abdullahi Umar Ganduje of Kano State. This was a choice location to hold the yearly event for Tinubu to strategically win the heart of the Northern people ahead of the presidential election.

The assumed Presidential Zoning looks favorable for this Political Master Player who threw his weight and influence in his arsenal to ensure President Buhari finally gained access to Aso Rock after two or three attempts.

However, would Bola Tinubu have such support from Buhari when the National leader of the All progressives Congress campaign for President? Would the Northern Political Game Changers not truncate Bola’s Political hope? Would Bola’s People and Political allies in the South not go against their own? Would the chicken finally come to roost?

These are the questions playing through my mind as I tried to position myself to wear the Jagaban political cap symbol and glasses.

Sometimes last year, a rumour emanated from one of Buhari’s administration cabinet member that, “We believe that Tinubu will not protect Buhari’s interest after his tenure, hence the need to look elsewhere. We are working hard to convince the president to support a candidate that would protect his interest after his tenure,”.

Also, things got worst when Honourable Abdulmumin Jibrin, the Campaign Director General of APC frontline presidential aspirant, Ahmed Tinubu, left the ruling All Progressive Congress, APC via his Twitter handle.

Tinubu would have wished to get an automatic ticket for the presidential primary despite being a key figure in the party, but not under the shadow of the ruling Vice President of the country, Osibanjo who is also contesting for the office. Other aspirants include; former Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi, former Minister of Niger Delta Development, Sen. Godswill Akpabio, former Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation, Dr. Ogbonnaya Onu, former Imo State governor, Sen. Rochas Okorocha, former Ogun state governor, Sen. Ibikunle Amosun, Pastor Tunde Bakare, Cross River State governor, Prof. Ben Ayade, his Ebonyi State counterpart, Gov. Dave Umahi, Ekiti State governor, Dr. Kayode Fayemi, Minister of State, Education, Hon. Emeka Nwajiuba, former Senate President, Sen. Ken Nnamani, Kogi State governor, Yahaya Bello, Jigawa governor Mohammed Badaru Abubakar and former Zamfara State governor, Sen. Ahmed Yerima.

As the opposing party, PDP is getting ready after the emergence of Atiku as the winner of the presidential primary election of the party, I know for sure it’s going to be a battle for the APC even as we wait to know who will emerge, the winner of the Presidential Primary election for APC.

But a Journey of a Thousand Miles Begins with a Single Step” This Chinese proverb means that a person must begin his or her journey to reach a goal or destination. It is a motivational proverb that expresses deep insight about determination and avoiding procrastination.

So on sober reflection, I have come to believe having Political Heavyweights present at the Kano Colloquium and encomiums are not enough for any serious politician to relax and be hopeful neither is Tinubu’s influence enough to ensure Buhari reciprocate his coming to power. Asiwaju’s presidential ambition can not be relied on the principle of reciprocity as Buhari’s body language is that of indifference.

This is Tinubu’s life. The battle of his life is in days. The race to Aso Rock is now fraught with so many obstacles. Can Tinubu survive?

A seat in Aso Rock is not a tea Party

Prince Adeyinka Kosoko writes from Lagos.