As the presidential primaries of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) draws closer, the search for the “anointed” successor to President Muhammadu Buhari now looks more like search for treasures by lost and shipwrecked pirates on a desolate Island.
Lost or not, all that matters to the pirates is finding the treasure wherever if might be buried.
After eight years of being in charge, Buhari will depart the Presidential palace- leaving the doors open for the next occupant of the rock Villa.
Who steps in? Or to put it more appropriately, who is Buhari’s anointed successor? It’s the million dollar question many have asked especially as Buhari himself had openly disclosed that he has someone in mind but will not expose the identity of the ” beloved” candidate.
So like the desperate sea pirates, the search is on now more than ever for the man- Buhari’s “treasure trove” and possible parting gift for Nigerians.
It’s a search that has sent many in Buhari’s APC and especially within his cabinet day dreaming- with each wishing to be the man after Buhari’s own heart.
But why not?. The most logical of places to begin the search for Buhari’s crown prince should be from within his party APC and maybe from inside his kitchen cabinet to be more precise.
It is not surprising then that those who took the first initiative to try their luck share same political party affinity with the President. At least those whose interests are known not those still in hiding.
The aspirants’ roll call is quite lengthy but a few names particularly of those who still hold the belief to be the “chosen one” should suffice.
They include and in no particular order, former Governor of Lagos State and National leader of APC, Bola Ahmed Tinubu(BAT) who many think should have just been rewarded with the title at stake for his role in the emergence of the party and eventual ascendancy to power in 2015.
Next is Vice President Yemi Osinbajo. The Starboy of the “Broom” party has understudied Buhari in the last 7 years and he kind of cuts the image of the “unknown” one Buhari talked about.
On the list as well is former Minister of Transport, Rotimi Ameachi. His railway projects facilitating mobility and connecting different cities in the country down to Buhari’s home town in Daura should not count for nothing.
Will Ameachi’s loyalty and obedience to APC and Buhari count for him at this crucial time?
Not much is known about former Minister of State for Education, Emeka Nwajiuba. He seems to the very quiet type but those close to the Villa believe he has the President’s ears and enjoys an incredible level of affection from Buhari.
Former Minister of Science and Technology, Ogbonnaya Onu is a long time political associate of President Buhari from their days in the defunct All Nigeria Peoples Party (ANPP). Modest and always sparkling clean in his usual white garb, Onu wears the kind of simplicity-that always seems to endear him to the President.
Next is Senator Ibikunle Amosun. Buhari’s trusted friend and strong political ally. He was also with Buhari in ANPP.
Incumbent President of the Senate, Ahmad Lawan may have joined the race late, his loyalty to his party APC and support for many of Buhari’s policies is NEVER in doubt. Is Lawan Buhari’s wild card?
His late appearance in the race is already being viewed as a formula to neutralize any move by the main opposition should it attempt to entice the beautiful North.
But as the parable goes many are called few are chosen as
the climax or anti-climax of the search for Buhari’s anointed candidate promises to hit a dramatic point of resolution at the Eagle Square this weekend.
(Editor: Paul Akhagbemhe)
