2023: Lawan, Other Northerners To Join APC Presidential Race

There are indications that the Senate President, Ahmad Lawan and some northerners in the All Progressives Congress would join the 2023 presidential race.

This is coming at the time the ruling party has failed to zone its presidential ticket to the South.

According to Punch, the Governor of Jigawa State, Mohammed Badaru is also expected to express his presidential intention.

More northern aspirants are expected to show interest in the race with the Governor of Kogi State, Yahaya Bello already in the race.

Top sources disclosed that some stakeholders in the ruling party are calling for more Northerners in case the Peoples Democratic Party presents a Northern Presidential candidate.

A chieftain of the ruling party said, “The North has the numbers and this is what the PDP is trying to take advantage of. As it is, the APC is trying to be very careful and that is why the party is refusing to make its position known on zoning.

“If we in the APC pick a southern candidate and the PDP picks a core northern candidate, then the APC stands a chance of losing the election especially if the South is not united.”

The source further stated that President Muhammadu Buhari would have preferred the party’s ticket is zoned to the South-West because the party’s largest base is in the region.

He added, “Bola Tinubu from Lagos State has declared. Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo from Ogun State has also declared. Former Governor Ibikunle Amosun also from Ogun State is declaring this week. Governor Kayode Fayemi of Ekiti State will be declared as well.

“They will divide the delegates into their respective states. Both Babajide Sanwo-Olu and Gboyega Oyetola of Lagos and Osun states respectively are supporting Tinubu while Governor Dapo Abiodun of Ogun State is supporting Osinbajo. The North is ready to cash in on this division.”