Ahead of the presidential primaries, governors of the All Progressives Congress (APC) have been divided along the line of support for Vice President Yemi Osinbajo and Asiwaju Bola Tinubu.
Supporters of the duo were locked in claims and counter-claims, on Sunday, over who has more support among APC governors.
Dismissing claims that Osinbajo is a formidable threat to Tinubu’s aspiration, his supporters said he has the backing of 13 of the 22 APC governors and support of delegates from non- APC states.
First, the National Coordinator of the South-West Agenda for Asiwaju (SWAGA), Prince Dayo Adeyeye, boasted that Tinubu is the candidate to beat in the APC presidential race as he is the most experienced and front runner.
On a possible consensus arrangement, Adeyeye said: “Consensus is provided for in the Constitution but will only work where all the candidates agree.”
An anonymous supporter of Osinbajo, however, said the vice president has been waiting for President Buhari’s green light, which he has gotten. He added that Osinbajo is working silently and has the support if 13 to 14 APC governors.
“The governors are sponsoring his activities and most of the meetings are held in the governors’ lodges. The governors are supporting him because the Vice President has age and experience on his side. He has been part of this government, so they believe he will consolidate on the achievements of President Buhari,” the source argued.
However, a former Minister of Communication and chieftain of the APC, Mr. Adebayo Shittu, said the battle for the APC ticket and the presidency are not a solely Yoruba affair, adding that various aspirants cut across the country. He, therefore, prayed the party to allow a proper primary election to hold.