The special convention and presidential primaries of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) have been characterised by intrigues, shenanigans and twist and turns as major players seek to outwit and outplay one and other.
In the midst of the furore, one reccurring discourse has been who President Muhammadu Buhari will throw his weight behind seeing that his annointed aspirant will likely clinch the ticket.
It’s not longer news that Buhari is deeply interested in who will succeed him.
Reports in the past had touted either of vice president Yemi Osinbajo or former governor of Rivers state, Rotimi Amaechi, to be Buhari’s choice.
However, following events elsewhere, DAILY POST on Tuesday reports that the Nigerian leader is nowfavourably disposed to the emergence of Senate President, Ahmad Lawan.
Recall that the National Chairman, Abdullahi Adamu, had on Monday announced Lawan as the consensus candidate.
No sooner had he made the announcement than he drew the ire of the party’s faithfuls, with Ondo State governor, Akeredolu, describing it as a joke.
Some chieftains are also infuriated by Adamu’s pronouncement despite the decision by Northern APC governors to support a Southerner.
However, Daily Post report that an APC insider reminded the party and the public that Adamu was the President’s favourite at the March convention.
He said the chairman could therefore not have singlehandedly taken the position without the Buhari’s knowledge.
“Adamu’s stance is the same as the President. I can tell you that his comment means that Lawan is the President’s choice. It’s as simple as that.”
According to DAILY POST, Lawan’s entry into the presidential race was to have a strong contender from the same zone as ex-Vice President Atiku Abubakar.
The APC then tactically postponed its primary to wait for the outcome of that of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
After Atiku’s victory the night of May 28, the President’s men were said to have met and agreed to support Lawan.
The calculation is that with Abubakar (Adamawa) and Lawan (Yobe) both from the North-East, the APC will have a chance.
Also, behind the scenes, many APC stalwarts and influential citizens, who are friends with the party, are working for victory of a Northerner at the primary.
They include former and serving public officials, business moguls, traditional rulers, clerics, mostly of Northern extraction.
They believe that due to the voting strength of the region, it would be difficult for a Southern APC flagbearer to defeat the PDP next February.
“With Atiku as PDP candidate, APC may not win in 2023 with a Southern candidate, it’s a game of numbers”, our source added.