Dr. Kayode Ajulo, a renowned constitutional lawyer and Coordinator of Progressive Lawyers for Osinbajo, PYO, has stated that the Vice President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, SAN, does not require an ultimatum to declare interest in running for President in the 2023 election.
He stated that Osinbajo’s rumored ambition to become President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria in the next presidential election is constitutional and unassailable.
He stated that Osinbajo will make an official announcement at the appropriate time, and that, contrary to popular belief, the number two citizen will not run, despite calls from loyalists and associates.
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This was stated by Ajulo in response to a 30-day ultimatum issued to the Vice President by a pro-APC group, National Coalition Group, NCG, On Wednesday, in Abuja, he was asked to officially declare his interest in running for the Office of the President.
“It is an unpopular rumor that Prof. Osinbajo may not run for president in 2023.”
We’ve even progressed beyond the pedestrian stage of wondering whether PYO will run or not.
It is a predetermined arrangement, and we are already planning for Prof. Osinbajo’s presidency because he represents everything Nigeria deserves at this critical juncture.”
Though we were all expecting it, Prof. Osinbajo has not declared because of the magnitude of responsibilities on his desk as the incumbent vice-President, which is huge and very important to national development and cannot be merged with a presidential campaign that also requires a significant time commitment.
And we shouldn’t expect a Senior Advocate of Nigeria and full Professor of Law to act prematurely; there is electoral law and guidelines in place, and he must not be found wanting.
“For me, this is another example of the VP’s unwearying characteristics of a dutiful man who is committed to the rule of law and the development of the country, and would not rank it above focusing on seeking a political office, let alone the presidency,” Ajulo said.
Former Labour Party National Secretary said Osinbajo is arguably the APC’s best face for the 2023 election.
“We live in a democracy,” he said. However, the unfortunate reality of the 2023 political calculus is that Prof. Osinbajo is the only credible candidate in the race.
He is well-liked both locally and internationally, and he enjoys widespread support from Nigerians.
“Prof. Osinbajo will contest and win the 2023 election, and his campaigns will be conducted in accordance with the rules and laws, as well as INEC guidelines, as opposed to other aspirants’ campaign procedures we have seen in recent times.”
Ajulo, recalling his earlier statements on the presidential ambitions of the APC’s national leader, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, claimed that the former Lagos State Governor is one of the major leaders backing the Vice President for the 2023 election.
He also stated that all of Tinubu’s political moves and strategies leading up to the 2023 election are in favor of the Vice President.
“No genuine PYO supporter will denigrate Asiwaju because of his presidential ambition.”
He is no newcomer to the political game. “Based on his actions, I believe Asiwaju is strategically working for Vice President Osinbajo.”
Without a doubt, all of the meetings and consultations that Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu is currently holding will ultimately benefit Prof. Osinbajo.
Asiwaju is very calculated, and anyone who has been following his political moves recently will understand the ruse that Asiwaju is employing to ensure that the presidency in 2023 is truly for the southwest.
“There are many who would argue that Osinbajo is Asiwaju’s political creation.”
Prof. Osinbajo has publicly acknowledged Asiwaju as a political benefactor on several occasions.
But I believe Asiwaju will want a beautiful and convincing brand as the next President as well.
As of the last count, there are over 274 professional groups across the country working for Prof. Osinbajo, which is consistent with one of Asiwaju’s well-known strategies.” Ajulo asserted.
Ajulo also expressed surprise that some people equate the demands of the Vice President’s office with the demands of the President’s office, claiming that the responsibilities of both offices are clearly defined in the Nigerian constitution.
“Let me add this for the benefit of those who, despite finding no substantial fault with him, have questioned the competence of the Vice President under the current administration and expect him to operate outside of his constitutional bounds Prof. Osinbajo is a Senior Advocate of Law who would never make a hasty decision.
He understands that his roles as Vice President are defined by the Federal Republic of Nigeria’s Constitution.
“There cannot be two drivers on the wheel,” Ajulo said.
“His brief as the VP is to take charge in the absence of his Principal, and that he excellently did in the few times he spent behind the wheel, which marked a resounding of the hope we seek as a nation.”
