Indications from the camp of Vice President Yemi Osinbajo revealef that was poised to formally join the presidebtial race any moment from now, even as early as tomorrow, having concluded his consultations on whether to contest or not.
A source in the Aso Rock Villa who preferred anonymity told newsmen on Sunday that Osinbajo having satisfied various consultations was poised to make official declaraation
“He has ended his consultations across board and he will declare his stand any moment from now, even as early as Monday (tomorrow),” the source said
Another source said that Osinbajo’s team has been working day and night to for his declaration any moment from now.
“His body language in the Villa is predictable. He has a team working day and night for his declaration.
“As at last week, his blueprint/manifesto was ready. He may introduce a digital dimension to the campaign.
“I think he is just biding his time for strategic reasons. Now, there are signs that in the next few days, he will open up.” the source added
Chieftains of the APC who had earlier declared interest in the party’s presidential ticket are National Leader of the party, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu; Governor Yahaya Bello of Kogi State; Governor Dave Umahi of Ebonyi State; former Abia State governor and serving senator, Orji Kalu and the immediate past governor of Imo State, Senator Rochas Okorocha.
Meanwhile, Party sources has said that further delay in resolving the controversy over Section 84 (12) of the Electoral Act may work against the interest of the party in next year’s elections.
It provides that “no political appointee at any level shall be a voting delegate or be voted for at the convention or congress of any political party for the purpose of the nomination of candidates for any election.”
In effect, political appointees including Transportation Minister Rotimi Amaechi, must resign at least 30 days to the party primaries to be eligible to participate in the process or stand as a candidate, failing which the primary will be a nullity.
It is for this reason that some state governors have asked political appointees and other public servants aspiring for political offices in the 2023 general elections to quit immediately.
According to the 2023 elections time table released by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), the parties have up to June 3, 2022 to conclude their primaries, during which candidates for all elective offices will be picked.
Parties can pick any day between April 4 and June 3 to pick their candidates for the various elective offices.
However, APC National Publicity, Felix Morka, said that the party would comply fully with the law.
“The ministers are members of the party, and the party is the party.
“Now, both the ministers and other appointees and the party leadership have excellent counsel and guidance.
“I am sure everyone involved intends to comply fully with the intendment and letters of the Electoral Act.”
Some members of the National Working Committee (NWC) of the party contacted claimed that the party was yet to discuss the issue. They, however, said the party has no choice but to comply with the law.
A member of the NWC said: “After the national convention, the understanding we have as a party is that henceforth everything we are going to be doing, we shall be guided by the law.
“I can tell you that NWC has not discussed it, but this is a law that should be complied with by all. The position of most party leaders is that all appointees should resign even before they make public their intention to contest.
“So, I expect the Minister of Transportation, Amaechi, who declared yesterday in Port Harcourt, and all other appointees to do the needful by obeying the law.
“They cannot afford any grandstanding or think they can circumvent the law.”
Contacted on the phone yesterday, former Niger State Commissioner for Information and one time State Publicity Secretary of APC, Comrade Jonathan Vatsa, cautioned the party against making nomination forms available to any political appointee who refuses to comply with the Electoral Act.
“Why will ministers be different? Some state governors have directed their appointees nursing ambition to contest in the forthcoming elections to resign. I wonder why ministers would be exempted.
“The law is the law. All appointees at the national and sub-national levels should comply with the law. Failing to do so, the party should deny such individuals nomination forms.
“Nobody should think he or she is above the law. It may interest you to know that even the 1999 Constitution directs political appointees to resign.”Vasta said.