2023: Ogun state governor finally picks Osinbajo over Tinubu
Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun on Tuesday announced that the state would pitch its tent with Vice President Yemi Osinbajo in the struggle to the presidential villa.
Report has it that Abiodun had been in a state of dilemma over who to support between Osinbajo and former Governor of Lagos State, Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
It was gathered that both Osinbajo and Tinubu played prominent roles in the governor’s journey to power when a political battle ensued between Abiodun and former Governor Ibikunle Amosun’s anointed candidate, Abdulkabir Akinlade, in the last election.
There’s no gainsaying in the fact that the duo may have been expecting a payback from the governor, which has made it a bit difficult for the governor to choose his preferred candidate.
Members of his cabinet are reportedly split as some are supporting Osinbajo and others pitch their tents with Tinubu.
However a source said Abiodun has not directed any of his cabinet members to support any candidate.
But Abiodun on Tuesday clarified that Ogun state would back Osinbajo who is an indigene of the state from Ikenne in Ikenne Local Government Area of the state.
He said the solidarity of the state would make the VP proceed with the “laudable projects” of President MMuhammadu Buhari.
“The Vice President present here is home coming. We are pleased with his decision to run for the office of the president. He is competent and committed to lead the country in a higher capacity.
“Your steadfastness, integrity and character are all well known. You are serving this country and the president meritoriously for the last seven years as the vice president. We have no doubt that you will do well as the president and we will support you,” Abiodun stated.
In his speech, Osinbajo said: “The Vice President position is an opportunity to serve and I have served with utmost loyalty. I put everything into my work. I am a candidate who will hit the ground running when I am elected.
“I have the requisite knowledge to do the job and building on what others have put in place. My presidency will bring peace, unity and development to the country”, the VP said.
“After all I have learnt if called upon to serve the nation, should I say No? I have decided that I will run for the office. I have sworn an oath to the Federal Republic of Nigeria. It is an oath to our people, our children and the future of Nigeria. I owe nobody else any allegiance outside the oath”, he added.
The Alake of Egbaland, Oba Adedotun Gbadebo, in his reaction said, “the vice president has paid his dues and is eminently qualified to succeed as President.”
“I want to pray that you will come back to this Palace as a President and Nigeria will be gain tremendously under your watch,” Alake added.
