Vice President Yemi Osinbajo has reportedly informed his principal President Muhammadu Buhari about his intention to succeed him in 2023.
One report by the Daily Trust said Osinbajo during a meeting with Buhari expressed his intention to throw his hat in the ring for the highest seat in the country on the platform of All Progressives Congress (APC).
Though the Vice President hasn’t publicly declared his intention, he will battle with a former Governor of Lagos state, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu; Senate Chief Whip, Orji Uzo Kalu; and Senator Rochas Okorocha who have officially declared their interest for the presidency on the platform of the APC.
“Certainly, VP Osinbajo has told the president that he wants to succeed him,” one source who was reportedly quoted claimed.
“The vice president had first consulted some prominent Nigerians who encouraged him to vie for the presidency and they also encouraged him to tell the president himself.
“They told him not to allow a third party to tell the president so that the ambition will not be misconstrued,” the source was quoted as saying.
Speaking also, another source said Buhari was not surprised when Osinbajo informed him about his 2023 ambitions.
The source said Buhari gave his Vice President his blessings just like he gave Tinubu and other individuals who have informed him about their ambitions.
“Buhari smiled in his usual characteristic manner…he listened to the VP carefully and while responding, he gave him the green light and wished him well without giving him any commitment or assurance of supporting him ahead of other contenders.
“He blessed the intention just the way he blessed Tinubu when he visited him in the Villa and unveiled his plan to vie for the presidency.
“And I think the president is being careful. Remember what he said while granting an interview to a national television,” the source added.
