The fireworks of 2019 general election has began. Political alignment and realignment are quietly ongoing and will gradually unfold to the shock, surprise, annoyance, joy of many Nigerians depending on affiliations.
Though, Nigeria’s ailing president, Muhammadu Buhari has not made his stand about running for a second time in office in 2019 or not but early feelers however indicated that the country’s power brokers and kingmakers are already in search of his successor.
According to The Sun, President Buhari who has been in London for over 90 days on medical vacation may have lost interest in a second term in office and consequently has forced the power brokers out to shop for a new leader to succeed him.
News had filtered in earlier that former Heads of State all retired Generals – Olusegun Obasanjo, Ibrahim Babangida and Abdulsalami Abubakar had met at the home of IBB in Minna, on May 2nd.
The outcome of the meeting was not disclosed but it was believed then that they met to discuss matters affecting the country in the face of agitations and significantly, health of the president.
However, in a new development, the Sun is now reporting that the discussion of the meeting which was not made public was dominated by President Buhari’s successor.
Consequently, the generals had agreed that the next Nigerian president must be below 70 in age but may come from any tribe or region.
A source close to the leaders told the Sun that: “It was agreed that the next president must be under 70, must be a pan-Nigeria personality from any part of the country.
Ethnicity and religion must also not be a barrier.” The source also claimed that “they considered some top politicians who have indicated interest, even though quietly, in the race and they zeroed in on a few they could identify on the spot, who also met their set criteria.
1. Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso (60)
A former governor of Kano and now a serving Senator. He is 60 years old.
2. Aminu Waziri Tambuwal (51)
The current governor of Sokoto state. He is 51 years old.
3. Donald Duke (55)
A former Cross River state governor. He is 55 years old.
4. Adams Oshiomhole (65)
The immediate past governor of Edo state. He is 65 years old.
They are all from the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC.
