Buhari’s Top Aide Speaks On Osinbajo Challenging Tinubu For Presidency

President Muhammadu Buhari’s Special Adviser on Political Matters, Babafemi Ojudu, has dismissed reports claiming he said VP Yemi Osinbajo would contest for the presidency.

Naija News reports that groups have called on Osinbajo to contest to replace Buhari in 2023 but many see the VP in a tricky spot as his political godfather Bola Ahmed Tinubu is reportedly eyeing same position.

However, some reports also claimed that Ojudu, who works in the office of the Vice President, had hinted on Osinbajo contesting.

Reacting in a statement to newsmen, Ojudu pointed out that it is only Osinbajo that is qualified to declare his intention to run.

He said: “My attention has been called to a quotation attributed to me that is trending. It was to the effect that Prof Yemi Osinbajo, the Vice President will run for the office of President in 2023.

“First, let me reiterate again that Prof. Osinbajo is for now fully focused on working in his capacity as Vice President in the current administration, to address all the compelling issues in the country and concerns of Nigerians, including finding effective and lasting solutions to the security challenges and working to further boost the economy. He has not made any declaration in respect of the 2023 elections.

“What happened was that I was in Port Harcourt where I had a private meeting with some friends and interest groups. While at the meeting discussing politics, economy and a number of other subjects of public interest and well-being of our country someone asked me if Vice President Yemi Osinbajo will run for President come 2023.

“My answer to that enquiry was that he is eminently qualified to contest and will be the one to decide whether to do so or not at an appropriate time.

“I concede that Nigerians are highly interested in knowing if Osinbajo will run. Everywhere I go that is the question people ask me and I have always tried to be careful in my response whether to an individual or groups.

“While I appreciate and welcome the people’s love and admiration for Vice President Osinbajo, my counsel is we should all allow him to make the decision whether or not he is interested, by himself at the right time. It is certainly not a matter that will be pronounced at a private meeting such as the one I participated in earlier this week in Port Harcourt.”