Bisi Akande, the former governor of Osun State and founding national chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), has revealed that former President Muhammadu Buhari was uneasy about the prospect of his Vice President, Yemi Osinbajo, contesting directly against President Bola Tinubu for the APC’s presidential ticket during the party’s 2022 primaries.
In a candid conversation on a podcast hosted by renowned broadcaster Edmund Obilo, Akande reflected on the internal dynamics within the APC during that period.
He noted that despite efforts to avoid any bitterness among Yoruba contenders, Osinbajo chose not to step aside in favor of Tinubu, which contributed to the tension within the party.
When asked directly if Buhari had opposed Tinubu’s candidacy, Akande simply shook his head, signaling that the former president did not object to Tinubu running for president, despite the delicate political landscape.
“He didn’t tell me so,” he said. “I asked him many questions, including whether he instigated Osinbajo to contest against Tinubu. He said no and explained that, in his culture, when your mentor is interested in a position, you don’t contest with him.”
In the lead-up to the 2023 general elections, Bola Tinubu emerged victorious in the All Progressives Congress (APC) presidential primaries, securing 1,271 votes to claim the party’s coveted ticket.
The APC national leader triumphed over 13 other contenders, including Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, in a highly competitive race that culminated at the party’s Special National Convention in Abuja.
Among the notable aspirants defeated by Tinubu were former Minister of Transportation Rotimi Amaechi, ex-governor David Umahi, Senator Ahmad Yarima, Dr. Ahmed Lawal, and the late Ogbonnaya Onu.
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Other key figures in the race included Chukwuemeka Nwajuba, Pastor Tunde Bakare, Chief Ikeobasi Mokelu, Senator Rochas Okorocha, Tein Jack-Rich, and former Governor Ben Ayade.
The contest initially saw 23 aspirants throwing their hats into the ring, but by the time voting began at the convention, nine had withdrawn from the race.
These included Mrs. Uju Kennedy-Ohnenye, Dr. Felix Nicholas, former Governors Godswill Akpabio (Akwa Ibom), Ibikunle Amosun (Ogun), and Dimeji Bankole, Senator Ajayi Boroffice, Governor Muhammad Badaru (Jigawa), Senator Ken Nnamani, and Governor Kayode Fayemi (Ekiti).
Reflecting on the outcome, Bisi Akande, the former governor of Osun State, acknowledged Tinubu’s political acumen, recognizing his growth as a strategist.
Akande also shared insights into the dynamic between Tinubu and Osinbajo, revealing that he played a significant role in Osinbajo’s selection as vice president.
He said, “In 2011, Tinubu was discussing with Buhari about replacing Bakare with someone. I told Tinubu, ‘I’m going to recommend Osinbajo, and I did.”
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