The presidential primary of the All Progressives Congress is ongoing and there are indications that states’ delegates will deliver a block vote for whoever they choose to align with.
OduNews had earlier reported that governors elected under the aegis of the All Progressives Congress streamlined the 23 candidates to five. The governors, except Kogi state governor Yahaya Bello, have all insisted that power be rotated to the south.
It was on this premise that the APC governors presented five names to President Muhammadu Buhari. The names on the governor’s list are Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, Rt. Hon. Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi, Governor David Umahi and Governor Kayode Fayemi.
The APC National Chairman, Abdullahi Adamu, came under fire on Monday after he announced Senate President, Ahmed Lawan, as the consensus candidate. He noted that President Buhari has given his backing. This was however debunked by the President.
Among the five aspirants presented to President Buhari, OduNews present an analysis of their standings in the race.
1. Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu
The elephant in the room as many will call him. Tinubu is arguably the strongest of all the aspirants considering his role in the party. Tinubu also has a strong base of supporters in many parts of the country when compared to other aspirants. Two factors may however affect Tinubu’s emergence. The first is President Buhari. Buhari appears to be backing another candidate. The second factor against Tinubu’s emergence is his recent outburst. The “October surprise” as it is called in the US could affect Tinubu’s candidacy. Despite this, he is the contestant to beat.
The predicted States to win delegates – Lagos, Kano, Oyo, Osun, Ondo, Borno, Sokoto, Katsina, Benue, Gombe, Niger
2. Rotimi Amaechi
Amaechi’s political weight cannot be underrated. He has a wide range of political experience and this could be to his advantage. He has also travelled across the 36 states to woo delegates.
The predicted States to win – Are rivers, Plateau, Kaduna, Delta, Bayelsa, and Cross River.
3. Prof. Yemi Osinbajo
Osinbajo would have swept the delegates’ votes from the southwest if Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu were not in the race. It would however be a herculean task for Osinbajo to emerge as recent development shows that President Muhammadu Buhari is not fully backing him up.
The predicted States to win – Ogun, Nasarawa
4. Governor Kayode Fayemi
Governor Fayemi is popular among his colleagues and he should win one or two states alongside Ekiti where he hails from. There are indications that Fayemi might step down his ambition before voting commences.
The predicted States to win – are Ekiti, Jigawa, and Kebbi.
5. Governor David Umahi
Securing votes across the southeastern states should be easy for Umahi if other aspirants from the zone step down.
Predicted states to win – Enugu, Imo, Ebonyi, Anambra and Cross River
Other states not listed in the above will likely be determined before voting commence. Some aspirants will likely step down and direct their supporters to follow one of the candidates. Senate President Ahmed Lawan will most likely ask his supporters to back Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
