Veteran Politician Akande Reveals Insights into Buhari’s Opposition to Osinbajo Challenging Tinubu for APC Ticket
In the intricate world of Nigerian politics, where alliances shift like sand dunes in the wind, the recent revelations by Chief Bisi Akande, former governor of Osun State, have cast a revealing light on the supposed political rift between President Bola Tinubu and former Vice President Yemi Osinbajo. As the nation gears up for the much-anticipated 2023 election, the dynamics within the ruling party, the All Progressives Congress (APC), have been nothing short of riveting.
The Cracks in the Foundation
It all began during the primary election leading up to the 2023 polls when Osinbajo, then serving as Vice-President, threw his hat into the ring alongside Tinubu and other influential figures within the APC. The decision to contest against Tinubu, with whom Osinbajo shared a professional history as a former commissioner during Tinubu’s tenure as governor of Lagos State, sent ripples through the political landscape. The move strained the ties between the two prominent figures, leading to a visible rift that divided Tinubu’s camp, with vocal supporters like former Senator Babafemi Ojudu throwing their weight behind Osinbajo.
A Mentorship Turned Sour
Chief Bisi Akande, a seasoned politician with a wealth of experience, recently shed light on the complex relationship dynamics at play. In an exclusive interview with esteemed media personality Edmund Obilo, Akande disclosed that he was the one who recommended Osinbajo to Tinubu when discussions arose about replacing Pastor Tunde Bakare. Notably, Bakare had previously served as Buhari’s running mate under the Congress for Progressives Change (CPC) during the 2011 elections. Fast forward four years later, and history repeated itself as Buhari, this time joined by Osinbajo, clinched victory in the presidential race.
A Cultural Conundrum
When asked about Buhari’s stance on Tinubu’s candidacy and whether he had supported Osinbajo’s challenge, Akande revealed a fascinating insight into the President’s perspective. Contrary to speculations, Buhari did not oppose Tinubu’s bid for the presidency. Akande recounted, “He didn’t tell me so. I asked him many questions, including whether he instigated Osinbajo to contest against Tinubu. He said no and explained that, in his culture, when your mentor is interested in a position, you don’t contest with him.” This cultural nuance adds a layer of complexity to the already intricate web of political machinations unfolding within the APC.
A Tentative Reconciliation
Against this backdrop of political tension and behind-the-scenes maneuvering, a glimmer of hope emerged as Osinbajo and Tinubu crossed paths at an Energy summit in Tanzania. The encounter marked their first public meeting since Tinubu’s election in 2023, offering a moment of reconciliation and a chance to mend the frayed ties that had dominated headlines in recent months. As the duo exchanged pleasantries and posed for photographs, observers speculated on the significance of this symbolic gesture and its potential impact on the future trajectory of Nigerian politics.
In the ever-evolving landscape of Nigerian politics, where alliances are forged and broken with the turn of a tide, the revelations shared by Chief Bisi Akande offer a rare glimpse into the intricate dance of power, ambition, and loyalty that defines the political arena. As the nation hurtles towards the 2023 election, the dynamics within the APC continue to captivate and intrigue, leaving observers on tenterhooks as they await the next twist in this gripping political saga.
