4 Northern Christians Who may Emerge as Tinubu’s Running Mate
From Ogundele Olanrewaju
All is now set for Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu to choose his running mate for the 2023 presidential election after emerging as the flagbearer of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
According to the guidelines released by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), presidential candidates are expected to select their running mates before 12 midnight on Thursday, June 9.
Within the APC, there are already rumours that Tinubu will settle for a northern Christian, especially as there has been loud opposition to a Muslim-Muslim ticket by most Nigerians, especially in the south.
If Tinubu decides to settle for a northern Christian, there are four names likely to be zeroed in on.
- Hon. Yakubu Dogara
Bauchi-born Dogara is a former Speaker of the House of Representatives. He is seen as a strong politician in northern Nigeria, especially with the way northern lawmakers rallied round him in 2015 even with the party hierarchy rooting for Hon Femi Gbajabiamila at the time. Dogara, 54, fits the bill for a popular, politically relevant, and vibrant running mate to a much older Tinubu.
- Boss Mustapha
Many say he is likely to be selected because his relationship with Tinubu dates back to their days in the Social Democratic Party in 1992. Mustapha, 66, is the current Secretary to the Government of the Federation. He is a lawyer and boardroom guru from Adamawa state in the northeast region. He is highly respected within the APC and wields a lot of influence among powerbrokers in the party.
- RT. Hon. Simon Lalong
Perhaps the most experienced among the potential running mates because of his executive and legislative background, Lalong, 59, is the current executive governor of Plateau and was previously the Speaker of the state‘s House of Assembly. He is also the current chairman of the Northern Governors Forum. However, there are doubts about his popularity in the north. But, his candidacy might be backed by his colleagues, especially as they are now a strong and influential bloc within the ruling party.
- Babachir Lawal
Lawal is a former Secretary of the Government of the Federation. The 67-year-old Adamawa-born politician is a strong ally of Tinubu and he has been an associate of the former Lagos state governor for decades. His relationship with Tinubu might pave the way for him to clinch the position, but his limited popularity, coupled with his anti-graft case currently in court, might affect his chances.
