From indications it seems that the camp of Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo has reached out to Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso for collaboration ahead of the 2023 presidential election. Kwankwaso, a former governor of Kano state and ex-minister of defence, is currently a chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
In the last few weeks, there have been rumours that Kwankwaso may defect back to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) The 65-year old politician was elected to the Nigerian Senate in 2015, serving one term under the platform of the APC, representing Kano Central Senatorial District.
Osinbajo has not formally declared his ambition to contest for the presidency but sources around him said efforts are on in that regard. A reliable source said Kwankwaso has been contacted by Osinbajo’s camp, saying: “Serious talks are ongoing between Oga and them. They want him to return to APC but the option is being weighed. It has not been sealed.” Asked if his boss will accept to pair with Osinbajo as running mate in 2023, he said: “No decision has been taken. What I can tell you is that discussions are ongoing.” Speaking on the rumours, Senator Rufai Hanga, pioneer national chairman of the defunct Congress for Progressive Change, had this to say “If Osinbajo contests in 2023, it is not a betrayal to his former boss, Asiwaju. Osinbajo is a complete gentleman. He is one of the most respected politicians in this country. I respect him too. I assure you that if he goes for the presidency, I may support him. “All Osinbajo needs to do is to look for a person with strong followership in the north as running mate. They will definitely win. If Osinbajo is given the ticket now and he picks somebody like Kwankwaso, I swear to God, they will surely win. “In the north, there is nobody like Kwankwaso now in terms of popularity now. Kwankwaso today is what Buhari was in the north.”