It is no longer news that the National Leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and former governor of Lagos State, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu has been reported to nurse presidential ambition in 2023.
The Editor Nigeria recalls the Minister of Works and Housing, Babatunde Fashola, during the week, also urged Nigerians to wait till January 2022 to know Tinubu’s decision whether he will be running for president in 2023 or not.
However, over the weekend, a leaked manifesto of Tinubu surfaced online.
Tagged, “Seven Point Agenda: The Rebirth Manifesto,” the document detailed Tinubu’s plan for Nigeria if elected as the country’s leader.
The seven key areas the campaign master plan covered include education, technology, infrastructure, home grown business, leadership, and true federalism and democratic process.
Leadership
Provide transformational leadership that has the ability to unify all of Nigeria and lead us to the attainment of shared goals and vision.
Technology
Leverage modern technology for digital transformation and economic growth.
Security
Create conditions that allow citizens move and transact freely across the Nation.
Infrastructure
Commence extensive infrastructural development by building basic foundational services (24 hrs access to electricity, roads, bridges e.t.c) that connect (power) people and businesses ultimately improving the quality of living.
Homegrown Businesses
Build platforms that enable and empower homegrown businesses to scale and compete favourably in the global market.
Education
Deploy initiatives targeted at promoting knowledge and equipping learners of all age groups with the skills and values needed to address modern-day challenges globally. Propagate and activate strategies that also promote a sense of pride and awakening amongst all Nigerian citizens to the extent that people feel extremely patriotic and ecstatic to be Nigerians.
True Federalism and Democratic Processes
Promote democracy, realize human potential and create conditions for prosperity and progress.
According to a source, “Our leader (Tinubu) would declare interest in the presidency very soon. We are confident he is the man to take Nigeria forward if you look at what he has been able to achieve both in government and privately.”
Amid the rumours and speculations, Bola Tinubu has never uttered a word about his interest in the position.
Instead, several groups, including the South West Agenda for Asiwaju (SWAGA), have taken it upon themselves to drum up support for a Tinubu candidacy.
Tinubu’s recent moves, which included a visit to Kano State earlier in the year, have also laid further credence to his presidential ambition.
Observers say it was a bridge-building visit aimed at strengthening ties with the north ahead of the next election.
A former Abia State governor, Orji Uzor Kalu, had recently visited Tinubu, further fueling speculations about his quest to become Buhari’s successor.
Despite the lure of presidential power, and his influence in Nigeria’s political landscape, especially his role in the emergence of President Muhammadu Buhari in 2015, many analysts believe the former Action Congress leader should be a kingmaker instead of the king.
