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Presidential Aspirants Emerge in Nigeria's Two Main Parties

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

As Nigeria's two main political parties, the People's Democratic Party (PDP) and the All Progressives Congress (APC), prepare for their primaries ahead of the 2023 presidential election, several key aspirants are emerging. In the PDP, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar is seen as a front-runner for the party's ticket, while in the APC, National Leader Bola Ahmed Tinubu is widely regarded as the strongest contender.

Tinubu, who played a crucial role in President Muhammadu Buhari's 2015 election victory, is seen as a strong candidate due to his influence in the South-West region. He has been endorsed by several South-West governors, including Seyi Makinde, the governor of Oyo state, who revealed that Tinubu has indicated interest in the presidency. However, Tinubu has yet to publicly confirm his intention to run.

Osinbajo, Buhari's vice president, is also seen as a potential candidate in the APC. His emergence as a serious contender was signaled by the creation of a presidential campaign organization, the Osinbajo Support Movement (OSM), which has been actively promoting his candidacy online and offline. The streets of Kano were even adorned with posters of Osinbajo and Governor Ganduje, the deputy governor of Kano, as a potential ticket for the APC.

The APC's SWAGA (South-West Agenda For Asiwaju) has also been founded by Tinubu's ardent supporters to consolidate his support in the South-West. However, Osinbajo's chances of securing the presidency may be hampered by his mentor's potential candidacy.

In the PDP, other key aspirants include Governor Aminu Tambuwal and Governor Bala Mohammed, both of whom have been mentioned as potential candidates.

Key Takeaways:

  • Around 10 presidential aspirants are vying for tickets in the PDP and APC.
  • Atiku Abubakar and Bola Ahmed Tinubu are seen as the front-runners in their respective parties.
  • Osinbajo's emergence as a serious contender is attributed to his creation of a presidential campaign organization (OSM) and his national influence.
  • The APC's SWAGA has been established to consolidate Tinubu's support in the South-West.
  • Osinbajo's chances of securing the presidency may be hampered by his mentor's potential candidacy.
  • The PDP is home to several key aspirants, including Governor Aminu Tambuwal and Governor Bala Mohammed.
  • Kayode Fayemi, the Governor of Ekiti state, is another notable Yoruba candidate in the APC.
  • The Igbos are noticeably absent from the presidential aspirants' list in both parties.

Statistics:

  • Atiku Abubakar has a significant following in the PDP, with the party's chairman, Seyi Makinde, revealing that he has indicated interest in the presidency.
  • Osinbajo's national influence is attributed to his creation of a presidential campaign organization (OSM) and his national media presence.
  • The APC's SWAGA has been founded by Tinubu's ardent supporters to consolidate his support in the South-West.
  • Ganduje has been rumored as a potential vice presidential candidate for Osinbajo.
  • The APC controls a significant block of votes in the North-West region.
  • The Igbos are estimated to hold a huge block of votes in the Southeast region.

Sources:

  • Channels Television
  • Twitter
  • Thisday Newspaper
  • Via DM

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