Obasanjo, IBB, Abdulsalami allegedly working on candidates to replace President Buhari

– Former Heads of State are allegedly shopping for President Buhari’s replacement ahead of 2019 election

– Four candidates have been shortlisted by Olusegun Obasanjo, Ibrahim Babangida and Abdulsalami Abubakar

– Senator, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso; Sokoto state governor, Aminu Waziri Tambuwal; former Cross River governor, Donald Duke and the immediate past governor of Edo state, Adams Oshiomhole are amongst the shortlisted candidates

Though, ailing President Muhammadu Buhari is yet to decide whether he would contest for  a second time in office in 2019 or not, it is glaring that the country’s power brokers and kingmakers are already in search of his successor.

According to The Sun, President Buhari who has been in London for over 90 days on medical vacation may have lost interest in a second term in office and consequently has forced the power brokers out to scout for a new leader to succeed him.

Naija News had reported in march that former Nigerian leaders, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, General Ibrahim Babangida (rtd) and General Abdulsalami Abubakar (rtd) held a closed doors in Minna, the capital of Niger State.

Details of the meeting could not be ascertained but there are indications that the pass leaders met to discuss matters affecting the country in the face of agitations and significantly, health of the president.

However, in a new development, the Sun is now reporting that the discussion of the meeting which was not made public was dominated by President Buhari’s successor.

Consequently, the generals had agreed that the next Nigerian president must be below 70 in age but may come from any tribe or region.

A source close to the leaders told the Sun that: “It was agreed that the next president must be under 70, must be a pan-Nigeria personality from any part of the country. Ethnicity and religion must also not be a barrier.”

The source also claimed that “they considered some top politicians who have indicated interest, even though quietly, in the race and they zeroed in on a few they could identify on the spot, who also met their set criteria.They include:

1. Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso (60)

A former governor of Kano and now a serving Senator. He is 60 years old.

2. Aminu Waziri Tambuwal (51)

The current governor of Sokoto state. He is 51 years old.

3. Donald Duke (55)

A former Cross River state governor. He is 55 years old.

4. Adams Oshiomhole (65)

The immediate past governor of Edo state. He is 65 years old.

They are all from the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC.

Meanwhile its already 90 days today, August 5, since President Buhari departed Nigeria to the United Kindgom in a bid to seek treatment over his failing health.