Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi has opened up on speculated ‘deal’ President Muhammadu Buhari and former Lagos Governor, Bola Tinubu had on the 2023 presidency.
The claim reportedly dates back to the months before the 2015 general elections.
It was gathered that after Tinubu was dropped as All Progressives Congress (APC) vice presidential candidate to douse opposition to a Muslim-Muslim ticket, a deal on 2023 was agreed with Buhari.
The APC was accused then of an Islamization of Nigeria by Nigeria’s Southern states and the incumbent People’s Democratic Party (PDP).
Power brokers rallied, calmed Tinubu and conceded the selection of Buhari’s running mate to him.
Yemi Osinbajo, a former Lagos Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice was picked ahead of Ekiti Governor, Kayode Fayemi.
Before the 2019 polls, the President was said to have re-assured the Jagaban of Borgu of the ticket.
Weeks later, Tinubu invited Bisi Akande, former Osun Governor and APC first National Chairman to join him on a visit to the Presidential Villa.
Tinubu, it was gathered, asked Buhari to restate his promise which the President allegedly affirmed. It is believed that the meeting took place in January 2018.
However, Amaechi, in an interview with Daily Trust, stated that he was not privy to details of the said agreement.
The former Rivers Governor said he was not sure if Buhari and Tinubu had such deal concerning the 2023 presidency.
He added that as the Director-General of APC Campaign Organisation, he was never aware of such a decision.
“But if there was a private meeting between President Buhari and our leader, Tinubu, I wouldn’t know.
“If it was a public APC meeting and I was not there, then something must be wrong. I was not told that there was an agreement that power should be handed over to Tinubu”, Amaechi stated.
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