More details have emerged about why the presidential candidate of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu opted for a ‘Place holder’ to hold the Vice Presidential slot.
The New Diplomat had reported that Tinubu, on Friday submitted his nomination forms to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). It was gathered that Tinubu, in the form chose Ibrahim Masari as the ‘Place Holder’ of the VP slot.
This development has also been confirmed by the Director of Tinubu Campaign Organisation, Bayo Onanuga.
Onanuga who spoke with the PUNCH, said Tinubu opted for Masari in a bid to continue consultations with the party members on the substantial Vice-Presidential candidate.
According to him, the electoral act allows for a presidential candidate to substitute his running mate, adding that Tinubu has up to August to conclude consultation on the individual to be nominated as his running mate.
“Yes, he is Ibrahim Masari. He once worked as a member of the National Working Committee when Adams Oshimhole was in charge of the APC excos.
“He is not really a surrogate per se. He is just holding forth. The electoral act stipulates that candidates have the window period to substitute up till sometime in August.
“Asiwaju will use that time to continue consulting with the party, governors and the president. He is taking his time and doesn’t want to rush it.
“He just wants to carry everybody along. Even the elections will take place in 2023 and the campaign wouldn’t start until September. The window period is still long. There is no need to rush anything about it.
“I think we have fulfilled our own part by submitting the name as required before the window of INEC deadline closes,” he was quoted to have said.
