The activities of outlaws sometimes referred to as bandits, were drama series we watched on TV as kids, little did we know that in the nearest future, the things we saw on our television screens will sadly, become our reality. According to the Centre of Democracy and Development for West Africa (CDD), banditry in today's Nigeria has eaten deep into most parts of the Northwestern region, resulting in the death of over 12,000 persons, leaving about one million displaced, roaming about the region in search for shelter, food, water and above all, a safe haven where they will be free from all the menace of the bandits.
Thus, to bring to an end banditry in the region, Professor Yemi Osibanjo has traced the root causes of banditry in the Northwest to these three; poor justice system, ethnic cleansing and criminality propelled by poverty. All of which are all in line with the report published by the Center of Democracy and Development for West Africa (CDD) titled; "Northwest Nigeria’s Bandit Problem: Explaining the Conflicts Drivers". No doubt he has made these cardinal points as his priority and vision to transform Nigeria's security and intelligence architecture if he eventually emerges victorious in the party's primaries come this May.
First of all, committees will be set up to ensure that justice will be delivered to all those whose cattle has been rustled in the past, a reconciliatory committee will also be set up to end the incessant communal clash and attacks perceived to be in disguise of ethnic cleansing, and lastly, provisions will be made to empower the working population of these communities, so no one has a reason to embark on criminality as a means of survival.
On this note, severally, the Vice-President, Professor Yemi Osibanjo has spoken on the need to return these displaced persons back to their ancestral homes, because as we all know, "there's no place like home" and these displaced persons, most of whom are farmers want to return to their farms and livelihood, to avoid an impending danger, where many others will take to crime for survival.
In times like this, the Vice-President shares the pain of ordinary Nigerians and in his efforts to understand the causes and profer long lasting solutions to the issue of banditry, he has occasionally paid visits and sympathize with the victims of these banditry attacks notably in January, 2022 when more than 300 gun men on motorcycle stormed eight villages in Anka local area in Zamfara State, killed an estimated 200 persons, leaving about 10,000 displaced as revealed by Sadiya Umar Farouq, the minister of humanitarian affairs. The Vice-President did not only condemn the attack but had a meeting with his boss, President Muhammadu Buhari and immediately the Nigerian military responded on the order of the President, stormed the Gusami forest and west Tsamre village in Zamfara, killing more than 100 bandits including two of their leaders in an air strike. Definitely, the Vice-President, Yemi Osinbajo is a man of action, and he perfectly understands that desperate times, calls for desperate action.
It will also be recalled that on 23 June, 2021, when the Vice-President, Professor Yemi Osinbajo received the Oluyin of Iyin Ekiti, Oba Adeola Adeniyi Ajakaiye at the Aso Villa, where he reiterated that local and state governments must collaborate with the federal government in tackling insecurity. As it relates to banditry, he mentioned that traditional rulers in the Northwest must collaborate with the federal government to talk to the people in their communities and educate them on how these vices will end up destroying their very own communities and endager the lives of their own people. In addition to radically transforming the Nigerian security and intelligence architecture, Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo has stated that no Nigerian deserves to live like a foreigner in their own country.
Hence, an Osinbajo ticket as the candidate of the ruling party, the All Progressives Congress (APC) will be a step in the right direction if the Northwest, the Northwest APC delegates and Nigerians in general want banditry to be a thing of the past. It should also be sound and clear that an Osinbajo Presidency comes with a lot of experience in tackling and providing solutions. What Nigeria needs currently is a problem solver and luckily, we have PYO in the race to lead over 200 million of us to the desired promised land.

Bokoharam terror attacks, banditry & kidnapping, flooding, herdsmen crisis, communal clashes et al has led to the loss of about 350,000 persons in the Northeast region, according to a new report of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) published on June 24, 2021.
It is over a decade insecurity has pillaged the Northeast region, creating more division amongst the people who have lost trust and faith in everything, running helter skelter for safety and survival. But, in these times, especially in the last seven years, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo has been making efforts to ensure that all these displaced persons return to their homes and be united once again. As he has occasionally stressed that; "no Nigerian deserves to live as a foreigner in their own country".

He made true his determination to see this dream become a reality when on 11 April, 2022, in his declaration speech to take after his boss, President Muhammadu Buhari, he reminded Nigerians how he has served the nation in war and peace, worked through some of the most difficult times in the history of our Nation, and yet still focused on securing the country, providing infrastructure, and growing our economy.
Also on that 11 April, 2022, the Vice-President, Professor Yemi Osinbajo promised to:
"...build a Nigeria where everywhere, in this land, is home for everyone, where our diversities, tribes and faiths unite, rather than divide us".
He simply meant, that Nigerians especially the Northeasterners need to trust the process and believe in the plans he has for their region in combating the hydra-headed monster that seeks to destroy the unity and peace hitherto enjoyed in their region.
Perhaps, a PYO ticket will favour the Northeast delegates this time, because they will be safer in their region and live in peace and harmony without the fear of attacks by unknown elements. And also, the elites and the ordinary Northeasterners will come together as a united front to push for progress and development in their region instead of running to another man's land, as it will be a thing of the past. Because, where there is no peace, surely they cannot be any meaningful development.

Still on seeking a united front in the Northeast, it should be recalled that, it was on 6 February 2013, that the defunct Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN), the Congress for Progressive Change (CPC), All Nigeria Peoples Party (ANPP) and a section of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) came together to form a united front and merger simply known today as the All Progressives Congress (APC).
The new party united as one, unanimously agreed to have a broom as its logo as its significance was that the party should be united at all times as a bundle of broom and not a breakable stick of broom. However, as the years went by, the APC which eventually emerged the ruling party by virtue of its victory in the 2015 general elections, began to germinate problems from seeds of discord planted by aggrieved party members and this obviously did not mean well for the party which was created to forestall peace and progress in the first place.
Hence, it is against this backdrop of the turn of events that, Professor Yemi Osinbajo has decided to step in, asking that he be given the chance to use his wealth of experience both as Vice-President and Acting President in the last seven years, to help restore the party and Nigerians at large, back to its unity days.

Meanwhile, it is this desire to provide his service wherever he feels that he can be of help that has made Professor Yemi Osinbajo's ambition stand out from the others who are canvassing for the position based on make-believe stories and no actual plan to help the party, its members nor Nigerians in the long run.
Thus, I implore on the conscience of all the Northeast APC delegates who truly care for the people of her region, to key into this vision of PYO and join the Professor Yemi Osinbajo's train for President of Nigeria 2023, join hands with PYO and transform the Northeast from what it is now, to the dreams of our heroes past. May PYO succeed!

The next few days will be a very crucial moment in the life of the All Progressives Congress, APC. It is crucial in the sense that the party is faced with a momentous challenge of choosing its presidential candidate. And in doing this, a great deal of wisdom and political need to be brought to bear.

In making its choice of a presidential candidate, APC should look out for the aspirant with unblemished pedigree and antecedents. For it to win the presidential election, the party should select the aspirant who is popular and nationally acceptable. APC should select the aspirant who truly understands Nigeria's problems and has shown, by words and deeds, that he has the capacity to address them. The party should select the candidate whose credibility has never been called into question. APC delegates should choose the aspirant whose intellectual and professional accomplishments are enviable. The party delegates should choose the aspirant who can stand shoulder to shoulder with other world leaders. APC should present to Nigerians, a candidate. whose goodwill will correct the bad image of Nigeria.

For the APC to win the 2023 presidential election, its presidential candidate must be one whose integrity remains intact, and one with a proven track record of excellence. These are the attributes Nigerians expect to see in a candidate who APC will present to them. Anything short of this will not be good enough for the party, and would harm the chances of the party.

Among the array of presidential aspirants in the APC, there is only one that has all these sterling qualities to his credit. That is the man the party should give to Nigerians, and he is Prof Yemi Osinbajo.

Osinbajo remains the best bet for the APC and the best choice for the delegates. It is a choice that will lead APC to victory. It is a choice that will restore the lost glory of Nigeria. The choice of Osinbajo is going to be a choice well made, and May 29 provides the APC with the golden opportunity of making this choice.

By all indices, the APC presidential cap fits Osinbajo. He should wear it, not just for the party, but for the millions of Nigerian youths whose entrepreneurial ingenuity he is committed to protecting, This quintessence of excellence should wear the cap for the poor Nigerians who have been benefitting and will continue to benefit from the social investment programme which he midwifed and was graciously considered for implementation by President Muhammadu Buhari. It is heartwarming to note that in his declaration speech, he promised to transform it into a full-scale social welfare scheme.

Osinbajo should be given the cap to wear for the IDPs in the north whom he would give a lifeline. The erudite scholar should wear it for the people of the southeast whom he is committed to addressing the issues that have led to the agitation in the region. APC should give Osinbajo the cap to wear for the farmers in the northeast and northcentral that will benefit from his promised agricultural revolution. This humble leader should wear the APC presidential cap for Nigerians whom his eventual emergence as president will guarantee their security through his determined efforts to overhaul and equip the security architecture. This teacher of teachers should wear the cap for the poor and helpless Nigerian students who spend more months at home than at schools as a result of constant labour disagreement. This friend of the downtrodden should wear the cap for the poor out-of-school children of the northeast who he is determined to take off the streets into classrooms.

Osinbajo is the only aspirant who truly appreciates the fears and expectations of the delegates. He understands and rewards loyalty. He will ensure that delegates who have contributed to his rise to power are duly rewarded. He is one aspirant who will make himself accessible to the delegates and party stakeholders to ensure a proper reward system for them. That's why a vote for Yemi Osinbajo is an investment that will yield long-term dividends.

Yemi Osinbajo is the right man for the job. With him as the face of the APC, victory is assured for the party. With him as Nigeria's President, the delegates are sure of being part of the administration. It behoves the leaders and delegates to take this opportunity and do what will bring immense benefits to them, their communities and Nigeria.

There is no better choice for the delegates than the choice of Yemi Osinbajo. The presidential cap fits him. The delegates should help him to wear it for their own benefit, and for the benefit of all.

As the d-day for the All Progressives Congress (APC) party primaries draws closer, there are speculations that the Vice-President, Professor Yemi Osinbajo is likely to clinch the presidential ticket from other top contenders including the likes of former Lagos State Governor, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the Honourable Minister of Transportation, Rt. Hon Rotimi Amaechi, the Senate President, Ahmed Lawan, who are also tipped to be favourites. This is because, it has been proven that without doubt, Yemi Osinbajo antecedents and plans are in line with the yearnings, complaints and aspirations with what the distinguished delegates and party faithfuls want for a better and progressive structure of the APC and Nigerians at large. Thus, it is on this ground that it becomes mandatory to remind the delegates, going forth into the election ground at the Eagles Square from 29th-30th May, 2022 what they should know about Professor Yemi Osinbajo and why he deserves the presidential ticket of the APC.
"Let our tribes become one tribe; the Nigerian tribe, where all are treated fairly, justly and with respect. It’s time."
Yemi Osinbajo said on 11 April, 2022, when he declared to run for the office of the President of Nigeria. A perfect reminder that, we Nigerians are responsible for our own greatness. To build that Nigeria of our dreams, we must all unite devoid of tribal lines, but work together as one Nigerians. In same vein, all APC delegates in the forthcoming elections should work as a Nigerian tribe and pick PYO the best man for the job.
After which the Vice-President, Professor Yemi Osinbajo began his consultation tour around the country and in his stops at State Capitals where he was warmly received by APC delegates, he promised to run an all-inclusive government above all else. This is a pointer that, Yemi Osinbajo will not abandon any region and treat them with contempt because of he feels they did not really support his campaign. As a matter of fact, all States and regions will enjoy the benefits and dividends of his leadership.
Also, the APC delegates should remember their very fears and concern with their State leadership which Professor Yemi Osinbajo has promised to bring to an end. The increasing factions causing divide in the party, especially in the State Chapters is worrisome. It is true that, constitutionally, all State Governors are the leader of the party in their State, but it does not mean they should override other party members when they make decisions on behalf of the party and party structure in their States. This is why, Professor Yemi Osinbajo is running for the office of the President of Nigeria, to help the party delegates settle these disputes with some of their State Governors and Chieftains to restore the party to its glory days.
Still, in all the electioneering that has evolved in the last couple of weeks, and will continue to congest the public space geared towards the APC convention on Saturday, 28 May, 2022, our esteemed delegates should remember that Professor Yemi Osinbajo is not just the most qualified of the over 20 aspirants keenly contesting the presidential position, but he is the favourite to emerge victorious according to regional polls. A quick look into the South-West region where the Vice-President hails from, the Governors of Ondo and Ogun, Rotimi Akeredolu and Dapo Abiodun have publicly thrown their weight behind PYO, even though their counterparts in Lagos and Osun States, Babajide Sanwo-olu and Adegboyega Oyetola are on the side of his political rival, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the scores then in the South-West will then be settled in Oyo and Ekiti States, the former, whose Governor is of the opposition (PDP) and staunch supporter of his River State counterpart, Nyesom Wike, and the latter which unfortunately, has its Governor, Kayode Fayemi as a Presidential aspirant under the All Progressives Congress (APC), it then follows that, at best, Oyo and Ekiti APC delegates votes will be split amongst the aspirants.
Then over to its neighbouring region, the South-South, where the former Deputy Governor Nsima Ekere, Senator Udoma Udo Udoma and Senator Ita Enang are helping the VP takeover Akwa Ibom and Cross River, and in Delta, the Deputy Senate President Senator Omo Ovie-Agege and Minister of State for Labour, Mr. Festus Keyamo are rumoured to be backing Professor Yemi Osinbajo's presidential bid, as well as the Honourable Minister of Petroleum, Timipre Sylva in Bayelsa. Although, his support in Rivers and Edo States will pose a challenge due to the loyalty Ameachi still commands in his home State and influence of the former APC Chairman and former Edo State Governor, Adams Oshiomhole, a known ally of Tinubu. Even though the South-East APC delegates, who will prefer someone from their zone on the ballot, regardless, the votes will be split amongst the contesting aspirants.
However, it is true that Professor Yemi Osinbajo enjoys a cult following up North and this is inspired from the initiatives he has helped established for their displaced persons and children.
So my Dear APC Delegates, have you now seen that PYO is the real deal? Support the Nigerian every Nigerian wants to rule Nigeria come 2023.

It has become a common scenario to experience disagreements and fights amongst family members, but at the end, reconciliatory meetings are conveyed to bring about unity within these quarrelling members and restore peace to the family unit, that everyone should live in harmony.

The same goes for the All Progressives Congress (APC), which prior to the 2015 general elections, had come together to form a merger from the defunct Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN), the Congress for Progressive Change (CPC), All Nigeria Peoples Party (ANPP) and a section of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) in February 2013 and eventually took over power on 29 May 2015 in one of the most historic elections in Nigeria. Subsequently, like a family unit, the party began to experience bickering and internal clashes amongst party faithfuls and unfortunately, these disagreements elongated as warring parties could not find a level ground to settle their scores. This crises worsened, in some cases, it cost the party externally. Hence, the reason why this upcoming party primaries should be a unifying ground for the APC delegates and which other man deserves the ticket apart from the Vice-President, Professor Yemi Osinbajo, a complete unifier with experience in conflict management.

The Vice-President, Professor Yemi Osinbajo has promised to bring unity to the party and reconcile the various split groups if he is given the ticket, as the All Progressives Congress (APC) Presidential Candidate and automatically, the leader of the party.
The All Progressives Congress presidential primaries is just some weeks away from the rescheduled May 29th - May 30th 2022 date and it is common to see delegates divided amongst themselves on which aspirant they should support to become the flag-bearer of the party both in the federal and state elections. Hence, it is on this note that it becomes imperative to remind the delegates who are having clashes in their State Chapters that, this is the time to elect Vice-President, Professor Yemi Osinbajo as the number one man both for the good of the country and the APC because, he has stated countlessly on the need to complete all that his principal and the ruling APC party started in May 2015. And what better way to return the party to the time it stood as a united front, loved by all Nigerians and geared towards a progress path to become the greatest party in Africa with a growing 7 million bonafide card-carrying members across all regions in the country.
Is it not fair that the All Progressives Congress (APC) which has tagged its recent party convention to be themed "Consolidation" seek a unifier to save it from all the gerrymandering and brouhaha ongoing in its house parties? Or are the delegates going to shy away from the reality that they are all tired of politicking in their States Chapters where one man hijacks the party structure and establish a one-man show?
Notably, he has promised to settle the problems between party heavyweights in State Chapters (mostly Governors) and factions (spearheaded by party Chieftains) to prevent recurring events like the high level of parallel primaries experienced in different State chapters of the party prior to the 2019 elections. As a man of peace, blessed with years of experience a senior advocate of Nigeria and a former lecturer at the University of Lagos and fulfilled career as successful politician, Osinbajo holds the key to the progress of the party, that is providing solutions to the State Chapters issues. What then remain, is for the APC party delegates scattered in different regions of the country to come together, speak with one voice, loud and clear with their votes on the 30 May, 2022 at the Eagle Square.

It will also be recalled that on on 2 May, 2022, the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) urged on the President, Muhammadu Buhari to direct Vice President, Yemi Osinbajo to take over its negotiations with the Federal Government as the Minister of Education, Malam Adamu Adamu, and the Minister of Labour and Employment, Dr Chris Ngige, have been unable to make it work. Their trust and believe in Professor Yemi Osinbajo is yet another testament that he understands their plights better and will work tirelessly to find a lasting solution to their unending strike problems. A unifier and problem solver like I earlier mentioned.
May PYO succeed!

It is painful when friends neglect you only to remember you in times of their need, and it is more painful when you help these friends and they abandon you again, only to remember you once again, when they need your help.
The above illustration can be likened to the relationship of the non-statutory Nigerian political party delegates and political aspirants who go about seeking their support and that of key stakeholders in the 36 Nigerian States, when they begin consultations geared towards their ambitions in the dire period of forthcoming elections.
With barely nine months to the 2023 general elections and barely a week to the All Progressives Congress (APC) presidential primaries, the polity has been heated and have seen the Vice-President, Professor Yemi Osinbajo like several other presidential aspirants making stops at State capitals to have a word or more to the party delegates and stakeholders on why he needs to be the party's flag-bearer in the upcoming party primary elections, but unlike some of these politicians who are offering empty promises on the premise of what they have not done, Professor Yemi Osinbajo's eye for the Presidency comes with a lot of experience of what he has done and will do if voted.
He is well experienced in the current affairs of the nation and this reasons he reiterated when he made stops at Ondo and Ekiti States where he was received by the Ekiti State Deputy Governor, Chief Bisi Egbeyemi, at the capital city of Ado– Ekiti emphasised that the very reason he wants to succeed his boss, President Muhammadu Buhari is his desire to serve the country and its people with zeal, knowledge and the experience he has garnered in public service, especially as Vice President and Acting President in the last 7 years.
This is why on 16 May, 2022, he urged the party delegates in Dutse - the capital of Jigawa State in his town hall-style interaction to vote their conscience and the best for the country and not moneybags who will abandon them when they get up there. And this also is not entirely on the moneybags, who feel that as long as the delegates continue to collect their money when they know these moneybags do not have the interest of the people at heart, then, they believe the delegates do not care about the party either but just all about their money. As a result, their first action when they get into office is to relegate the delegates to the gutters and become power drunks to an extent no one dares challenge their authority, simply because those who should act as checks on their overbearing nature, have swallowed their money and cannot call their bluff. Hence, it is on this note that Professor Yemi Osinbajo has beckoned on the party delegates to not be swayed by these "cash and carry" gimmicks in this electioneering period, if truly they (delegates) want to remain relevant in party affairs, even after the election is done and dusted.
To cap it all, the distinguished APC delegates who have supported the Vice-President in the past and continue to show their unalloyed support to Professor Yemi Osinbajo on his road to the Presidency, should never be in doubt that after he wins and fulfill his Presidential ambition that he will abandon his staunch supporters. In all, they should always have it in their minds that their goodwill remains in the heart of PYO, a man of gratitude and PYO remembers!

An inclusive government is simply a government where everyone is carried along and involved in the policy making to govern the nation. In this case; every region in Nigeria is ably represented in the corridors of power and there is no room for marginalization. So, what does it actually connote when someone vouch that Vice-President, Professor Yemi Osinbajo deserves the All Progressives Congress (APC) presidential ticket because he will run an inclusive government.
On 22 April, 2022, when Vice-President, Professor Yemi Osinbajo took his presidential consultation train to the APC delegates in Oyo State, he addressed the All Progressives Congress faithfuls at the Civic Centre in Idi-Ape area of Ibadan on his promise to run an all-inclusive governance if elected. Accompanied by the state chairman of the party, Isaac Omodewu, Sen. Teslim Folarin, Chief Niyi Akintola (SAN), Sen. Babafemi Ojudu and Sen. Ibrahim Balkachuwa, among others. The Vice-President beckoned on the Oyo State APC delegates to choose him because "One advantage I will have is that from day one, I can hit the ground running because I know what it takes".
And truly, the Vice-President knows and is familiar with the challenges in Nigeria today. There are over 250 ethnic groups, speaking about 500 languages, but in truth, only the three major tribes; the Hausa, the Igbo and the Yoruba have dominated the political landscape in the rotation of power and it is this ills that Professor Yemi Osinbajo hopes to combat if he eventually emerges Nigerian President in 2023. But first, he will be needing the support of all APC delegates who want to experience what an inclusive government is all about, all APC delegates who want to experience what real change, different from "the status quo" and know why Nigeria is praised as a country that enjoys unity in diversity, not the usual empty promises, but now coming from a man who has seen it all these past seven years as Vice-President and ready to make changes when he takeover.
Still on Osinbajo's inclusive government, he will create an excellent environment for businesses to thrive, making sure that the government, its agencies and regulators serve the business community. Above all, his focus will be centred on the provision of jobs and opportunities for our young people.
Hence, when on 11 April, 2022 in his declaration speech, Yemi Osinbajo called on every Nigerian; everywhere in this land, and the diaspora, young and old, male and female, he solemnly and respectfully sought their support in his quest to become the next Nigeria's President. His message also, can be likened to a reminder to everyone of his unwavering commitment to head an inclusive government and this promise he has vowed to abide and stand by, if given the chance to lead the country and over 200 million Nigerians who await, a great and exciting journey ahead of us.
While speaking at the Presidential Villa, recently in a dinner which he (the Vice-President) hosted the Speakers and Deputy Speakers of a number of State Houses of Assembly on 10 May, 2022. He admonished that his plans for an inclusive government will be a government by partnership, which is so important in the administration and easier governance of a complex country like Nigeria. Also in this meeting, he made mention of how in 2017 he had helped revamp the hopes of the people of the Niger Delta whose plights and concerns have been neglected and abandoned by previous administrations. And on the orders of his boss, President Muhammadu Buhari, he was able to establish the Niger Delta New Vision, and restored peace and stability, among other significant development gains in the region.
Basically, this is typically what Professor Yemi Osinbajo means when he says that there will be an all-inclusive government if he is nominated by his party, the All Progressives Congress (APC) as its presidential flagbearer, and eventually emerge as President of Nigeria come 2023.

Anyone who has come across Nigeria's Vice-President, Professor Yemi Osibanjo will attest to his meekness and easygoing nature. In the last seven years, Yemi Osinbajo, alongside his boss, President Muhammadu Buhari has worked tirelessly in providing infrastructure and growing Nigeria's economy in war and in peace. Also, in these periods, he has shown Nigerians that beyond his office as the number two citizen of the nation, he is compassionate about the struggles of the ordinary Nigerian, and this amiable trait has endeared more Nigerians to him as he has been dubbed "the most accessible Vice-President in the History of Nigeria".
It should be noted that before Professor Yemi Osinbajo inauguration as the 14th Vice-President of The Federal Republic of Nigeria on 29 May, 2015, there were so many others before him, the likes of Namadi Sambo, Goodluck Jonathan, Atiku Abubakar, Alex Ekwueme and a few others who deputized during the military regimes. Prior to Yemi Osinbajo's ascendance, the position was not given so much credence as former First Lady, Dame Patience Jonathan puts it; "My husband is in his office reading newspaper" and so, not many considered the Vice-President a political heavyweight in the scheme of things in Nigerian politics, but a household role, for an office holder who was barely seen in the public, except when doing the President's biddings.
Thus, when Osinbajo came into the picture and began moving from one local government to the other, to listen to the plights of the ordinary Nigerians, dig for the causes a problem and profer long lasting solutions to their problems, Nigerians began to ask questions, with most of them acknowledging the simplicity of the person of the Vice-President and how easily accessible they could reach him to come to their rescue in difficult times. As he mentioned in his declaration speech on. 11 April, 2022;
"I have been to practically all local governments in Nigeria."
A testament to why he has been dubbed the aforementioned title (the most accessible Vice-President in Nigeria's History) by ordinary Nigerians.
The Vice-President understands that a leader does not shy away from responsibilities nor does he hide from his people, because without the people, there will be no leader in the first place. This is why Professor Yemi Osinbajo has promised to be available in the life of every APC party delegate who requires his presence, listen to the plans and concern of every Nigerian irrespective of ethnic groups, just like he has done in the homes of many ordinary Nigerians in various parts of the country. Where he have visited in the past seven years, sat with the techprenuers in Lagos, Edo, and Kaduna, with the Nollywood and Kannywood actors; with musicians, from Lagos, Onitsha, and Kano. He has also spoken to small and large businesses to promote agricultural, mining, and oil-producing communities; in the Delta, in Kebbi, Enugu, Borno; Rivers, Plateau, and Ondo; and in all other States of the federation, listening to the diverse experiences and yearnings of the Nigerian people.
So, it comes as a shock when some group of persons assume that the Vice-President, Professor Yemi Osinbajo is now engaging Nigerians because he is in the race for the office of the President. Something he has always done? Perhaps a succinct reminder is that;
Professor Yemi Osinbajo has always been present to sympathize, grant succor, bear the pain and anguish of victims in violent conflicts, terrorist attacks, flooding, fire and other disasters.
Also, he has countlessly visited the gallant troops in the North East and our brothers and sisters in the IDP camps.
In his words;
"I stood where they stood and sat where they sat. I know their hopes, aspirations and fears; and I believe that in those hopes and aspirations are the seeds for the great Nigeria that we all desire."
The question now is; if Yemi Osinbajo has shown so much concern and compassion in the everyday life of the ordinary Nigerian as Vice-President, how much more when he becomes the President?

Without food, mankind will go extinct in the nearest future. It follows that, food is very essential to our existence as humans and when it is not readily available, many will die from malnutrition and starvation.
In the past seven years, the Nigerian Government in collaboration with the World Food Programme (WFP) have managed to stabilize an extremely serious food security situation in the Northeast, which has been bedeviled by crises leaving thousands displaced and hungry. However, according to the World Food Programme data, about 4.4 million people in this region are still entirely depending on food assistance, and funding will continue to be needed to support immediate assistance as well as longer-term recovery and development programmes. As someone who has been actively part of this process, Vice-President, Professor Yemi Osinbajo in his declaration speech on 11 April, 2022 promised that if given the Presidential ticket by his party, the All Progressives Congress (APC), his administration will prioritize taking the agriculture revolution to the next level, especially the mechanization and developing of the farm to table value chain.
On 8 June, 2017, in his visit to the Bakassi Camp in Maiduguri, Borno State where he had gone to flag-off the Federal Government’s Emergency Food Intervention programme in the North East, Vice-President, Professor Yemi Osinbajo mentioned that the grains, which mainly consist of sorghums, rice, maize and soya beans, were locally produced by the Nigerian farmers, in line with President Buhari‘s policy of “Eat what we produce, Produce what we Eat.” and this became a driving force for his self sufficiency food plan.
It is true that "The Osinbajo Food Plan" otherwise known as developing the farm to table value chain is not the first of its kind, as in the past, in 1976 to be precise, the military government of General Olusegun Obasanjo instituted the "Operation Feed the Nation" which was a national agricultural extension and mobilization program geared towards achieving self sufficiency in food crop production and inspire a new generation to return to farming. At first, it was up and running as a larger number of small subsistence farms across the country produced majority of the food crops for local consumption. But by the early 1960s, many of the smaller farmers were not profitable, leaving their own farms to lie fallow for months, the farmers supplemented income by working on farms producing export crops, in addition, a new generation of educated youth moved to the urban areas to look for paid employment and this disrupted the initial plan of the operation feed the nation.
Most importantly is the fact that, successive governments after that has tried to delve into the agricultural revolution to diversify the Nigerian economy and to break its chain and shackles from the overdependence on oil, but in truth, these past administrations have all struggled to achieve this goal of sustainable food production. Thus, Professor Yemi Osinbajo plan to adopt the mechanization and developing of the farm to table value chain as a priority, obviously means he has been following, listening and watching closely what Nigerians needs and what Nigerians want.
To avoid a nationwide food emergency crisis like that experienced in the Northeast and mentioned at the beginning of this article, we as a people have to grow what we eat. On 9 May, 2022, while speaking at the conference of Speakers and Heads of African Parliaments holding in Abuja, Professor Yemi Osinbajo made it known that Africa must produce what it eats, adding that the food insecurity in Africa experienced during the COVID-19 pandemic was a great lesson for the continent to strive and make efforts to achieve self-sufficiency in food production, because there is probably another pandemic by the corner.
Hence, it is in line that his mechanization and developing of the farm to table value chain is to free Nigeria and Africa from overdependence on external countries for our own survival. Charting a path for increased collaboration in handling issues in Africa. As he stated in his official declaration, "With our bountiful and fertile lands, we have more than enough resources to be one of the world's leading agricultural societies."
The Osinbajo dream is the Nigerian dream. Let us now birth the expectations of greatness conceived generations before us.

In 2021, the National Bureau for Statistics (NBS) published a report on its website on global unemployment rate. In that report, Nigeria’s Unemployment Rate rose from 27.1 per cent in the second quarter of 2020, to 33 per cent in the first quarter of 2021. By that ranking, Nigeria became the second Highest on Global List and going by that, it meant majority of Nigerian working population, especially the youths who make up about 40% are unemployed.
While speaking on his declaration day, Professor Yemi Osinbajo reiterated that if voted to represent his party as candidate in the general elections, his administration will be focused on enhancing Social Investment Programmes to a full-scale social welfare scheme.
It is important to mention that in the past seven years, the Vice-President, Professor Yemi Osinbajo has spearheaded social investment programmes that is now regarded as the largest of its kind on the continent. The establishment of initiatives like the N-Power Programme has helped keep a vast majority of unemployed graduates and undergraduates between the ages of 18-35 equipped with skills for the job market over a two-year period. Also, the Government Enterprise and Empowerment Programme (GEEP) which has provided about 2.4 million loans to petty traders and small entrepreneurs worth N38billion across the country were all championed by Professor Yemi Osinbajo.
In a reported statement published in January 2022, from the office of the Vice-President, Yemi Osinbajo, after receiving a delegation from the Cooperative Federation of Nigeria (CFN), he stated that the objective of creating these social investment programmes was to accelerate the attainment of the Sustainable Development Goals in the country. It is in line with this vision and goal that the President of African Development Bank (AfDB), Dr. Akinwumi Adesina while speaking in a lecture, titled: “Nigeria – A Country of Many Nations: A Quest for National Integration” lamented the high rate of joblessness among Nigerians, saying about 40 per cent of youths were unemployed. While noting that the youths were discouraged, angry and restless, as they look at a future that does not give them hope, he, however, said all hope was not lost as youths have a vital role to play, if the country should arrive at its destined destination.
It is why only persons like Vice-President, Professor Yemi Osinbajo has promised that as President, his administration will create an excellent environment for businesses to thrive. A gateway for foreign investors to come into the country, work with the hardworking people of Nigeria, increase productivity, enroute the desired destination of the Nigerian dream.
Economically, the PYO ticket will be all about creating wealth and making sure that the government, its agencies and regulators serve the business community.
More so, Professor Yemi Osinbajo has vowed that if he is given the presidential ticket of the All Progressives Congress (APC), his administration will be completing the 29 May, 2019 second term inaugural promise of his boss, President Muhammadu Buhari, in his public commitment to lifting approximately 100 million Nigerians out of poverty within a 10-year period. And this is why a vote for Osinbajo will be a vote for continuity, a vote for the continuation in the national development priority, which again follows on the establishment of the largest Social Investment Programmes (SIPs) lifting 100 million Nigerians out of poverty within this decade.
Hence, with this trajectory and proven track record with a promise to accomplish more, it will only be right that the APC Delegates who are truly concerned about the economic plights of Nigeria, vote a tested and trusted man in the person of Professor Yemi Osinbajo who has not failed in his promises to enhance the social investment programmes for Nigerians to put an end to unemployment and chart a new chapter to fulfill the Nigerian dream.

The calls for an Osinbajo Presidency did not start on 11 April, 2022 when the Vice-President, Professor Yemi Osinbajo declared his interest to run for the office of the President of The Federal Republic of Nigeria. Months before he conceived the idea of succeeding his principal, President Muhammadu Buhari, a lot of groups have been beckoning on the Vice-President to continue his good works.
It is important to mention that there is a long list of political and non-political actors who are impressed by the achievements and performance of PYO in these past seven years as Vice-President and will prefer to stick with him by supporting him to the post of the number one citizen in the federation, rather than find someone else. Thus, it can be agreed that the PYO mandate is not on his own accord, but backed by the trust and support of over 720 groups beckoning on the Vice-President to continue the good works he has started. Hence, this article focuses on these groups to tell Nigerians, especially the APC delegates going into the primaries, why they believe so much in this man. As many of them will say; the Osinbajo we know!
On 15 January, 2022 in a grand event held in Kano, Anwar Hamza, the national coordinator of The New Tribe (TNT) - a PYO support group said;
“Osinbajo is the most qualified for the top job. There will be no need for handover notes. He has been there; he understands the terrain more than anyone."
In this gathering were also other dignitaries and prominent stakeholders like the former Chief Whip of the Senate, Olusola Adeyeye who added;
At this moment, choosing the president is very easy for Nigerians because we have professor Yemi Osinbajo, the man of the moment. At this point in time, we need a man like Osinbajo who is intellectual, versatile and very suited for the throne".
According to Olugbenga Oloaye, the spokesman of The Osinbajo Think Tank (TOTT);
"Professor Yemi Osinbajo’s cognitive experience in the corridor of power for seven years, coupled with his unbeatable CV are part of the needed criteria to deliver better democratic projects for Nigeria and Nigerians."
He added that;
"The Osinbajo Think Tank group believes that the declaration of the vice president to have a shot at 2023 presidency, does not translate to betrayal or affront, rather it has opened the political space where true Patriots, like him would likely align with and vote for him in the 2023 Presidential Election regardless of any party affiliations”.
Another support group, 'It is Time' recently unveiled a 32-page document titled "The Plan" highlighting what to expect from Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo if he is elected president in 2023. One of its rallying points is that;
“Yemi Osinbajo will focus on: supporting young people to acquire relevant skills; building infrastructure to support the prioritised sectors; creating a supportive business environment; and where necessary, provide or facilitate financing for businesses and young people to thrive in entrepreneurship; promoting integrated rural development.”
Interestingly, the Vice-President has been involved in promoting and supporting small businesses, securing investments into technological economics in the country. This is why he has in his declaration promised to draw investments to the country as Africa's Tech-Hub.
There is also the 'Nigerians Ask for Osinbajo' support group whose leader, Engr. Kolawole Adepoju, described Prof. Osinbajo as “an individual who has been tried, tested, and has been found to possess the qualities required to accelerate the development of our Nation.”
Even those who have known him for years testify that indeed the clamour for an Osinbajo Presidency is a shared likeness in the Vice-President. In the words of Senator Victor Ndoma Egba, Chairman of the Niger Delta Development Commission has this to say; "I have known him since 1975, he's a focused, determined, organized and Godly man and this reflects in every aspect of his life".
However in all of these, one thing that we must always remember is that, Professor Yemi Osinbajo is loved by Nigerians regardless of political affiliations. There are those who think he would have been a worthy candidate if he was not associated with the All Progressive Congress (APC) but are envious of his intellectual abilities. For these group, it is good to remind them that no man will exist on his own or by himself, the goodwill showered on Yemi Osinbajo is from others. A man can change a multitude, but he has to be given the opportunity to be their leader. This is the Osinbajo We Know!

When parents pay exorbitant fees to send their children to school at the detriment of their own comfort, it is because they have seen first-hand the importance of education and how it elevate the status of people and change their fortunes in the nearest future. The importance of education in the society cannot be overstated and this is why no child should be denied access to learning. Unfortunately, in the Northeastern part of Nigeria, increase in communal clashes, cases of child molestation, sexual violence, bombings, kidnapping and banditry has left about 1.8 million Nigerians in the region displaced, far away from their ancestral homelands and their dreams of attaining education for a better future truncated.
Professor Yemi Osinbajo has been in the Buhari government for seven years as Vice-President, and as an educated scholar and accomplished academician, he knows the pains of what it means not to be able to go to school and this is why on 11 April, 2022, when he declared his interest to run for President of Nigeria, he clearly spelt out that he is going to work on the reformation of our education system.
In January 2021, an article published in the Education Cluster, UNICEF titled "Education in Emergencies Working Group Strategy: North East Nigeria 2021-2023" described the impact of the crisis on education as "severe", leaving generations of children without opportunities to learn and even more vulnerable. Sadly, the crisis has led to the death of 611 teachers, 19,000 teachers displaced, 910 schools damaged, 1,500 schools forced to close and as a result, an estimated 900,000 children have lost access to learning while 75 per cent of children in camps do not attend school. This is one of the challenges the Vice-President, Professor Yemi Osinbajo has promised to bring to an end just like he did with the establishment of the North-East Children’s Trust (NECT) which was his initiative to show his commitment to education of the vulnerable children in the North-East. Unlike some politicians who will make promises and not fulfill, Osinbajo took the North-East Learning Centre as his personal business, ensured that 10,000 orphaned children or displaced by the Boko Haram insurgency in the North-East receive quality education and by 2022, the initiative is still up running in its sixth year since it was established in Maiduguri, the capital of Borno State in 2016.
It is also true that no one learns to read on an empty stomach, and to this effect the Vice-President has promised to make local food production be his top priority. In this sense, the farmers will be encouraged through loans, fertilizer handouts, and other basic amenities that will ensure Nigerians do not experience a food emergency. A good example is the National Home Grown School Feeding Programme (NHGSFP) which the Vice-President launched in June 2016 to ensure children are given free lunch daily at school. Thankfully, by 2021, Ekiti State became the 31st State of 36 States enjoying the benefits, and covering a total of about 9.5 pupils across all regions.
Education is the bedrock upon which the foundation of the future is designed. The heights Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo has accomplished as a university professor, senior lawyer and public servant is a testament that education is the key to open all other doors in the long run of our chosen careers.
There has never been a Vice-President in the history of Nigeria, so concerned and passionate for education like Professor Yemi Osinbajo. So, it does not come much of a surprise that on 2 May, 2022, the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) urged on the President, Muhammadu Buhari to direct Vice President, Yemi Osinbajo to take over its negotiations with the Federal Government as the Minister of Education, Malam Adamu Adamu, and the Minister of Labour and Employment, Dr Chris Ngige, have been unable to make it work. Their trust and believe with Professor Yemi Osinbajo is yet another testament that he understands their plights better and will work tirelessly to find a lasting solution to their unending strike problems.
Finally, the reformation of the education system is very important to every Nigerian regardless of region. In the sense that, it is given that a nation who does not have plans to educate its youths, is a nation with a plan to fail. On this, Yemi Osinbajo promises take the almajiri children off the streets and build schools where they will study to become better persons with a future to look up to. PYO promises to increase the literacy level of States like Yobe and Borno which has the lowest literacy rate with 31.9% and 35.1% male adult respectively as revealed by The Centre for Information Technology and Development (CITAD) in its 2018 report.
Thus, the burden is on the North-easterners and Nigerians at large, that if we truly care about the reshaping our educational system, Professor Yemi Osinbajo is the right man for the job.

Prof. Yemi Osinbajo is without a doubt a top contender in the upcoming 2023 elections for the office of the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. A lot has been said about his academic brilliance, experience in governance, sterling performance and overwhelming achievements earned in the past seven years, as he has alongside President Muhammadu Buhari stirred the Nigerian ship as Vice-President. It was based on this track record and several calls from ordinary Nigerians that PYO as he is fondly called, accompanied by his team, stretched out from his official Aso Rock residence in Aguda House and drove down to 15B, Buchanan Crescent, Wuse 2, Abuja on the 11th of April, 2022 to make the powerful speech that we’ve come to know as the Osinbajo Declaration.
In truth, Osinbajo's declaration on that fateful day opened the floodgate of support from over 720 groups and Nigerians who have been laying in wait for that eventful day and in motion, his declaration of interest kept the ball rolling once again. PYO’s declaration, as expected, created friction in the camp of a man alleged in the media to be behind the success of the Vice-President's political career. This is why it was not surprising when shortly after Yemi Osinbajo's declaration, journalists were quick to rush to Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who had just finished from a consultative meeting with the APC Progressive Governors Forum (PGF) in Abuja, for his thoughts on PYO's declaration (his god-son), in response he said; “I don’t have any son grown up enough to make such declaration.”
Now, let us hear from the man himself (PYO) and why he wants to be the next Nigerian President.
On Thursday 28 April, 2022 when Prof. Yemi Osinbajo and his entourage touched down at the Benin City Airport at 10:44a.m where he was received by the deputy governor of Edo State, Hon. Philip Shaibu and some APC leaders in the state led by the chairman, retired Col. David Imuse. As a man of tradition with maximum respect for the culture of the Nigerian people, he quickly led his delegation to the Royal Palace of the Oba of the Great Benin Kingdom, Ewuare II. While at the palace, accompanied by the host of delegates of the All Progressives Congress (APC) who he had come to see and discuss ahead of the party’s presidential primary election, the Vice-President, Professor Yemi Osinbajo stated;
"I have been exposed to many things in government...I have exposure to the highest level of government and the capacity to govern the country."
A pointer to what he initially said in his declaration;
"We have worked through some of the most difficult times in the history of our Nation, but have remained focused on securing the country, providing infrastructure, and growing our economy."
To every concerned Nigerian reading this, are you not amazed that despite the challenges Prof Yemi Osinbajo with his principal were still able to achieve this much? That is what experience looks like.
In response, the venerated Benin monarch, Omo N’Oba N’Edo Uku Akpolokpolo, Ewuare II gave him his royal blessings and confessed that he had always been an admirer of the Vice President’s eloquence and commended him for his respect for culture and tradition.
Well, it doesn't come easy to be admired by a first class King and I wonder how many of these aspirants will be as accessible as Prof. Yemi Osinbajo who has practically visited all 774 local governments in Nigeria, been in markets, factories, schools, and farms, agricultural, mining and oil producing communities; in the Delta, in Kebbi, Enugu, Borno; Rivers, Plateau and Ondo; and listening to the diverse experiences and yearnings of Nigerians. How many of these politicians have paid a visit to their constituencies prior to the electoral period when they come looking for votes, talk more of being worthy role models for those they intend to lead.
While Osinbajo is canvassing for support from APC delegates around the country based on his experience and clear career trajectory, a certain Yahaya Bello is promising Nigerians that he will make them millionaires, forgetting that in his almost seven years as Governor of Kogi State, Nigerians are still conducting an Ultimate Search to fish out the millionaires his government has produced.
In all, Nigerians should be able to separate the sheep from the goat, as it has become clear that some politicians are only in the race to score cheap political points and not really interested in providing the necessary change that Nigerians desire. Thus, when we take a look at the long road which Professor Yemi Osinbajo has journeyed till this point in service of Nigerians, we should know that vying for President is a serious task PYO has chosen to take upon himself to continue the Nigerian project.

As the general election approaches, and as many aspirants put themselves forward for elective posts, one factor that will determine the acceptability or rejection of the candidates of the various parties are their antecedents. Their past records are their selling points. While some of the aspirants will be haunted by their past deeds, others will have their past records work for them, and by extension for their parties. For instance, in the APC, two past governors who are contenders for the presidential ticket of the APC will surely be haunted by their past, and this will adversely affect the party if any of them secures the party's presidential ticket.

One aspirant in the APC whose past records will enable the party to have a smooth sailing is Prof Yemi Osinbajo. His sterling achievements at various times both as vice-president and acting president have remained remarkably unsurpassed.
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Prof Yemi Osinbajo's competence, experience and leadership qualities are no longer in doubt. It is on record that within the short periods he acted as president, Nigeria recorded a turnaround in all aspects, This is a feat that has not been denied even by the opposition and critics. Like Osinbajo or hate him, one thing that nobody can deny is also his credibility.

Yemi Osinbajo's candidacy will be a great blessing to the APC. This is a fact that the majority of Nigerians acknowledge. It is left to APC leaders and national delegates to leverage this to their advantage. The party should realize that the next presidential election will be a fierce battle with PDP, a party that is not leaving anything to chance in its efforts to regain what it lost in 2015.

APC should also realize the feelings of Nigerians about the state of the nation. The party should also know that certain factors will be counting against it in the forthcoming election. It should not also lose sight of the fact that there will be no incumbency factor as President Buhari will not be on the ballot. This makes the next presidential election an uphill task for the APC.

Therefore, for APC to survive the next election, it needs to put its best foot forward. It needs, as its presidential candidate, a person that has shown the capacity and competence to lead. It needs to put forward a candidate with unblemished antecedents. It needs to have a candidate who is acceptable to the majority of Nigerians. It needs a candidate with a track record of intellectual accomplishments not matched by the candidates of other parties. And it is in Prof Yemi Osinbajo that such credentials are found.

APC should leverage these sterling qualities of Osinbajo. His achievements as acting president speak volumes for him and the party. Osinbajo is the best APC has for the presidency. The party would be jeopardising its chances of winning the presidential election if it does not present its best.

It is down to the national delegates of the party to do what is right for the party by selecting the erudite professor of law and quintessential leader as its presidential standard-bearer. With him, the party is sure of retaining the occupation of Aso Rock. Any mistake of choosing a candidate who is not acceptable to Nigerians will surely cost the party the presidency. It is a simple logic.

If there is one thing that speaks volumes of Prof Yemi Osinbajo, it is his unequalled achievements as acting president. He did so well that even the arch critic himself, Reno Omokiri, could not hide his joy. His accomplishments remain unparalleled in the history of Nigeria's acting presidency.

Since May 29, 2015 to date, Prof Yemi Osinbajo has acted as president at various times, and each time the opportunity came, he seized it with both hands to effect credible leadership. Each time he left, he left behind him an indelible footprint. This is one fact both Reno Omokiri and Nigerians can never fail to acknowledge.

In one of Reno Omokiri's articles published in thisday.com of February 18, 2017, he could not hide his joy at Prof Yemi Osinbajo's approach to governance when he wrote, 'I am loving the vice-president, Prof Yemi Osinbajo right now and for good reasons too. In the absence of President Muhammadu Buhari, Pastor Yemi Osinbajo led the Executive Council of the Federation's meeting and members were forced to deliberate for seven hours.'

Reno did not stop at that. He went further to say, 'On Monday, 13th February, 2017, while in Rivers State, Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo declared that the Federal Government would work with illegal refineries and help convert them to modular refineries.' This goes to show that the vice-president truly has solutions to the problem of petroleum in Nigeria.

Still talking about Osinbajo's sterling leadership as acting president, Reno Omokiri, in the same article, wrote, "Such forward thinking! Professor Yemi Osinbajo represents the progressives in the name 'All Progressives Congress'. I applaud and celebrate him today."

While taking into cognizance that one of the qualities of a good leader is how he approaches and handles issues, Reno also wrote, 'His approach…is an approach of intelligence and diplomacy… the man speaks to Nigerians as a leader should.'

Reno's testimony which represents the feelings of the majority of Nigerians, shows in clear terms that Prof Yemi Osinbajo did exceedingly well as acting president of Nigeria and will do well as a substantive president if given the opportunity by his party.

Osinbajo does not only understand the problems of Nigeria, but also has the solutions to them. His approach to issues, as has been noted by Reno Omokiri, are laced with intelligence and diplomacy. This is the kind of a leader Nigeria needs at this trying period.

In Osinbajo, APC has the best presidential candidate. With Osinbajo as candidate, APC is sure of winning the next presidential election with ease. In Osinbajo, Nigeria is sure of a president they can be proud of. If he could do this much as acting president, he would do much more as president.

Osinbajo is a blessing to APC, and by extension, Nigeria. If critics and the opposition can laud Osinbajo's leadership skills, one wonders why Osinbajo should not automatically get his party's presidential ticket.

Nigerians from all walks of life, old young, educated and not too educated, Muslims and Christians, love him and yearn to have him as president. National delegates of APC should heed the calls of Nigerians. They should listen to the voice of wisdom. The only way APC can retain the presidency is by having Osinbajo on the ballot. Anything contrary to that will surely end in regrets for the party. Nigerians are patiently watching and waiting. The time for the national delegates of APC to take the decision is now.

According to the Federal Road Safety Corps and the National Bureau of Statistics, between 2013 and 2020, at least 41,709 persons have lost their lives to road crashes in Nigeria. That is about 4 persons every six hours, 15 persons daily and 426 per month.
The increase in the rate of accident related deaths has been blamed on commercial drivers who in a bid to maximize profits, engage in some bad practices such as night travels, driving under fatigue, speeding, overloading and wrongful overtaking among many negative practices to the detriment of lives and property. It is also true that some of the highways in the country are bad and unsafe for travels, this is why Professor Yemi Osinbajo on assuming office as the Acting President in 2017, made it his concern to embark on construction of road networks to save millions of lives that would have been lost due to bad roads.
The Ilorin-Omuaran-Kabba road - happens to be one of the most awarded contracts by successive governments in Nigerian history. The road which was originally constructed in 1972 has been a death trap for many years, worsened by a combined assault posed by the massive daily flow of heavy-duty trailers, erosion, and lack of maintenance.
Between 2010-2015 data from the Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC) recorded that there have been 4,708 casualties on the Ilorin-Omuaran-Kabba road, with 4,016 injured and 692 deaths recorded between 2010 – 2015.
It is also important to note that this Ilorin-Omuaran-Kabba road had been worked on by the Dangote Group owners of the Obajana Cement Factory, during President Olusegun Obasanjo's second term. However, Dangote Group constructed only the 20 kilometers stretch from Lokoja to Obajana. This road was a part of the N42 billion contract earmarked for the construction of roads by the Goodluck Jonathan administration at The Executive Council of the Federation (FEC) meeting in November 2013. Unfortunately, the 80km project was abandoned by the then Minister of Works, Mike Onolememen and the Messrs CGC Nigeria Limited contactors after a distance of 10 kilometres was covered between Kabba and Ayetoro-Gbedde. Initially, the road was to be completed in three years from when it was awarded but crept into the next administration when Professor Yemi Osinbajo took charge as Acting President. Osinbajo swung into action by including these roads into the Federal Government’s 2017 budget as confirmed by The Kwara State Commissioner for Works and Transport, Alhaji Aro Yahaya in an interview with journalists in 2017.

On February 8, 2017, he chaired the FEC meeting and gave approval of 21 billion naira for the construction of Ilorin-Omu Aran and Kabba road section and ordered that the contractors, CGC Nigeria Limited should commence work immediately. Speaking after the meeting, the Minister of Power, Works and Housing, Babatunde Raji Fashola, said he presented two memoranda for a cost revision of the Ilorin-Omuaran-Kabba Road, which links Kwara and Kogi states, and confirmed that this project had been previously awarded in the sum of N13. 541b, in 2013.
That meeting in 2017 by Professor Yemi Osinbajo set in motion the construction of the Ilorin-Omuaran-Kabba road and today, the Federal Government is nearing its completion. As revealed by the Kwara State Federal Controller, Ministry of Works and Housing, Wasiu Atitebi in March, 2020, about 13 kilometres part of the road along the Ilorin-Omu-Aran-Egbe federal highway has been completed. In his words;
“About 13 kilometres as regards that road has been completed. From surveys, base, first coat, asphaltic binder layers and asphaltic wearing which is the second layers with the shoulders by the side have also been completed. All the drainages and culverts have been completed up to Idofian, Ifelodun local government area of Kwara state."
The response of Professor Yemi Osinbajo to emergency situations and his ability to listen to the plights of Nigerians and work on a solution needs to be told over and over again. To make Nigerians realize what type of a man they have, in PYO!

In his visit to Benin-City - the ancient capital of Edo State on 7 March, 2017, the then Acting-President, Professor Yemi Osinbajo presided over a stakeholders meeting with the indigenes and communal leaders of the oil-producing communities in the Niger Delta region. In attendance was the Edo State Governor Godwin Obaseki, Minister of State for Petroleum, Dr. Ibe Kachikwu who had accompanied the Acting President, chairman of the Environment Rights Action (ERA), Nnimmo Bassey, the representatives of all three oil producing local government areas in the state, and other interest groups.
It will be recalled that prior to his visit, there have been agitations in the region, calling on the Federal Government to complete works on its abandoned projects by the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC). Even, the Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF) group had issued an ultimatum of November 1st to the Federal Government to meet its 16-point demand issued in November 2016 or they would withdraw from the peace parley.
However, these concerns were put to rest when Professor Yemi Osinbajo met with the aforementioned parties at the Samuel Ogbemudia Hall at the Ogbemudia College (formally New Era College), and together they discussed the way forward for peace and development.
During the meeting, some disagreements arose amongst the youths from Ijaw-speaking areas of the state, who staged a protest that almost resulted to a mini-riot from opposing groups, even in the presence of the Acting President, but in his infinite wisdom, Professor Yemi Osinbajo was able to listen to all warring parties attentively. He felt their pains of abandonment and ensued for peace amicably. Well, this does not come much as a surprise for a man who through his career with the United Nations has embark on peacekeeping missions.
Following the resolution of this meeting, the then Acting President, Professor Yemi Osinbajo took to work immediately and he ordered all the oil companies to move their headquarters to the Niger Delta. This move was praised as a wonderful act of justice and healing of the age long injury inflicted on the Niger Delta people.
He also ensured that the Federal Government released an additional N35 billion to step up the Amnesty Programme in the Niger Delta region, which was a supplementary raise to the 2016 Budgetary allocation to the office. The Amnesty Office paid up all ex-militants backlog of their stipends up to April 2017. School fees for ex-militants studying home and abroad was paid up to 90 and 80 percent respectively.
Making the President Muhammadu Buhari administration the best in keeping to the fulfillment of the Amnesty Programme in the Niger Delta region. It also deployed 1,294 beneficiaries in different programmes in different universities across the world. With 1,230 graduates; 196 are maritime engineers, 59 pilots, and 120 automobile engineers.
In response to Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF), Professor Yemi Osinbajo met with the leaders and representatives from the Niger Delta and relevant ministers and heads of Ministries, Departments and Agencies, MDAs at the presidential villa on 3 August, 2017. In that meeting, he promised that the FG will supply crude to the local refineries at reasonably considered price, as an incentive to stop the current practice whereby illegal refiners vandalise and steal the crude. Each Niger Delta state is expected to host two modular refineries. In fulfillment of this, a modular refinery was built and completed by the FG in collaboration with the Obaseki administration in 2021.
He also made known the plans of the Federal Government to commence the process for the opening of the Maritime University at Okerenkoko in Gbaramatu Kingdom, Delta state. He set up a five-member inter-agency committee headed by the Minister of Education which saw to the official opening of the university in February 2018, after the Nigerian University Commission (NUC) gave its approval to commence degree program in the University.
Now, going into the presidential primaries of the All Progressive Congress (APC), will the Niger Delta delegates turn their back on a man who within a short period listened and provided solutions to their plights? A vote for Professor Yemi Osinbajo is a vote for more transformation in the Niger Delta region.

Corruption is the bane of Nigeria's development, and one issue that will determine the fate of each of the political parties and their candidates is corruption. The majority of Nigerians say that they will stand against the emergence of leaders who are perceived to be corrupt. What this implies is that they will look out for, and only vote for candidates that have not been found to be corrupt. This is why the APC should be careful with whom it gives its ticket.

As the APC presidential primaries draw closer, several aspirants have declared their intentions to run for president on the platform of the All Progressives Congress. Among them are people who fall in the category of those perceived to be corrupt. They have amassed so much wwelth that they are willing to pay anything to clinch the presidential ticket of the party. If they succeed, it is obvious that their candidacy will be too hard to sell to the Nigerian voter.

It is obvious that APC will be jeopardizing its chances if it gives its ticket to such a person. The opposition would use it to campaign against the party, while Nigerians will reject the person outrightly.

In the APC fold, one aspirant carries with him unblemished antecedents. From his days in the academic community, to his time as the Lagos State Attorney General, to his present office as Nigeria's vice-president, he has maintained clean sheets. He hasn't soiled his hands. Therefore, the issue of corruption is far from him.

Prof Yemi Osinbajo is the jewel of inestimable value. He is APC's greatest assest for the presidency. Having maintained unblemished antecedents, the best choice APC can make, if it is desirous of retaining the presidency, is to give him the presidential ticket.

Osinbajo is APC's jewel of inestmable value. It is left for the national delegates to place the interest of the party first and do what is right for the party. Only a man with unblemished records like Osinbajo will guarantee APC's victory.

"Traditional rulers in every society represent the symbol of moral authority. It is important that these offices are seen playing the role of mediators and leaders who take the lead in introducing innovation and development to their communities." Professor Yemi Osinbajo, on 7 March, 2022 when he paid a courtesy visit to the Olu of Warri, HRM Ogiame Atuwatse III.
One of the devastating effects of colonial rule was that it degraded the authority of the traditional system in our Nigerian society today. It gave room for government supremacy, that is; it increased the powers of government officials above the traditional rulers who now receive their staff of office from the State Governors' at their coronations. As a result, in the recent past, we have experienced illegal interventions by government officials protecting their interests in communities, while disrespecting the traditional institutions. This is what Professor Yemi Osinbajo seeks to correct. First as a Nigerian-born, a true son of the soil and a man of culture, he has made it his mission to pay visits to the traditional rulers himself and make efforts to strengthen the relationship between the government and the traditional institutions in the country. Hence, the reason this article celebrates him as "a man of tradition."
Professor Yemi Osinbajo has visited almost all 774 local governments in the country within the period of seven years in which he has served as Vice-President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. In these visits, he has approached community leaders, traditional rulers and stakeholders and engaged in conversations to find a way forward to the many communal challenges and problems facing Nigerians as a people. The Vice-President has mentioned that the reason he took it upon himself to do this is because he strongly believes in the collaboration between traditional rulers and government at all levels, which is a panacea for improving security nationwide and ensuring young people in our communities key into initiatives for entrepreneurship and innovation.
While as Acting President, on June 19, 2017 he received the Northern Traditional Rulers at the Presidential Villa and spoke to them about their role in ensuring that we all live together as one Nigerians in peace and harmony. This meeting came after a Northern group asked the Igbos to leave the North. In attendance was the Shehu of Bama, Alhaji Kyari Uman El-Kanemi; Emir of Kano, Alhaji Mohmammed Sanusi (II); Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Abubakar Saa'd (III) and Emir of Gwandu, Alhaji M I Basher, Etsu Nupe, Alhaji Yahaya Abubakar; Emir of Bauchi, Alhaji Rilwani Sulaiman during the break of Ramadan Fast.

Earlier in February 2022, when PYO paid a visit to Bayelsa to perform the groundbreaking of the construction of Angiama-Oporoma Bridge, which will link Yenagoa, the capital of Bayelsa, and the Southern Ijaw Local Government Area. He was received by the Bayelsa Governor, Douye Diri and the Bayelsa Traditional Rulers Council whose vice-chairman, Malla Sasime showered praises on him. In his words;
“If you come out for president, you will be a good material as those rumours are all over the place on social media. So, we thank you for being a good vice president, we hope that you keep your relationship with Bayelsa in very good stead. Thank you very much.”
The Vice-President in his infinite wisdom is aware that the traditional rulers are the closest to the people in their communities. This is why his mission is also to bridge the gap between the States and the Federal Governments and what better way to settle political differences than to consult the royal fathers who the people trust and respect as representatives of their ancestors on earth.
By association with these traditional rulers, he believes it will help put an end to crimes like ethnic and religious tensions in these States as the traditional rulers understand their people better than any arm of government.

As the presidential primaries of the APC have been scheduled for the 30th to the 1st of June, there are a few questions which, if I were among the 7200 national delegates of the party, I would pause, think and ask myself before deciding on who to vote for.
First, I would ask myself: How would the decision I am about to make in the choice of a presidential candidate affect me in the long run and the chances of my party retaining the presidency?
What will it profit me to collect money today and lose bigger opportunities that will come with the victory of my party?
Doesn't the aspirant who offers me money to sell my vote see me as someone without conscience or someone whose conscience is too cheap to buy?
By my decision, have I justified or betrayed the trust and confidence reposed in me by the people of my community or state that have given me this rare opportunity of being a delegate?
Is it morally right for me to see the opportunity of being a delegate for self enrichment, or for the good of all, including the future of my children?
Haven't I mortgaged my conscience by selling my vote instead of being the courageous leader I am expected to be?
At the end of the day, will I look in retrospect and not feel guilty before God and man for having sold my conscience for a porridge of yam?
The presidential primary election leaves you, dear delegate, with two choices - the choice between contributing to the success of your party and befitting forever or contributing to its failure and living in perpetual regrets, the choice between voting your conscience or mortgaging it, and the choice between remaining politically relevant or retiring yourself ignominiously as a result of the loss of the presidency, caused by your action. .
Only the best is good enough for the party. Only the best candidate can guarantee the electoral victory of APC. Only the best choice will keep the APC in Aso Rock beyond 29th May, 2023. Any wrong choice will make APC swap places with PDP, God forbidding. Woe betide anyone whose actions or inactions will make APC the opposition party.
Yemi Osinbajo represents that choice. With him, APC is headed for the third consecutive victory. The choice is the delegates'.

It is true that academic grades are not the true test of a good leader. But, it is also true that the world is fast advancing in all sectors and to catch-up with other nations technologically, economically and politically we will need a leader equipped with intellect and vibrance to make wise decisions to move the country forward.
It is also true that the Nigerian constitution's academic requirement for the office of the President is a minimum of O' level — a criteria which in all honesty should no longer be attainable in 21st Century Nigeria. Nonetheless, this article presents Professor Yemi Osinbajo as an intellectual colossus and argues for why Nigeria needs an intellectual as we head into a new era of leadership in 2023.
To be honest, the office of the President not just in Nigeria but in the world at large should not just be something anyone aspires to because of goodwill, a lifelong ambition or youthful aspirations. In the recent past, one of the challenges of the country has been that we lack leaders who are quick to provide solutions and no doubt, this has a lot to do with their intellectual capacity. Thus, going forward, it will be wise that Nigerians should always consider the best for the office of the President.
To be a President of a country you have to be smart and intelligent. And to the former point, Professor Yemi Osinbajo did not become a professor overnight, his brilliance has remained uncontestable over the years.
At a young age he attended Corona Primary School and later, Igbobi College both in Lagos. Between this period (1969 to 1975) he stood out as a brilliant student and won several awards including; the State Merit Award (1971); the School Prize for English Oratory (1972); Adeoba Prize for English Oratory (1972-1975); Elias Prize for Best Performance in History (WASC, 1973); School Prize for Literature (HSC, 1975); and African Statesman Intercollegiate Best Speaker's Prize (1974).
From there he proceeded to the University of Lagos and graduated with an Upper Division degree in Law in 1978. He studied for his Masters at the London School of Economics in 1980 and later returned to the country where he lectured at the University of Lagos for years, eventually becoming a Professor in 1997.
To be a President of a country, you have to be ready to serve. From his service in the classroom, Professor Yemi Osinbajo moved into service to the people of Lagos State. Between 1999 to 2007, he served as the Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice in the Bola Ahmed Tinubu administration as Governor.
He pushed his service of the people to the service of God. He became a pastoral leader in the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) Province 48 (Olive Tree provincial headquarters) in Lagos State.
To be a President of a country, you have to be experienced. Professor Yemi Osinbajo's wealth of experience cuts across many sectors. Aside from academics, he worked with the United Nations in different capacities. He was a Staff Member, United Nations Operations in Somalia, Justice Division, UNOSOM II. Also, a Member, United Nations Secretary General's Committee of Experts on Conduct and Discipline of UN, Peacekeeping Personnel around the globe, Member, 2006. In addition, he has served as Vice-President of Nigeria for seven years and as it stands, he is more familiar with the terrain and scope of things than any other aspirants.
To be a President of a country you have to be able to provide solutions in strategic and emergency times. One clear example was how Professor Yemi Osinbajo handled the National Assembly's illegal invasion by the DSS when his boss was away. At that point, he knew too well that a clash between the executive arm and the legislative arm of government was a step in the wrong direction for Nigerian democracy. He simply ordered the sack of Lawal Daura, the Director-General of the DSS to restore normalcy.
In a nutshell, Professor Yemi Osinbajo being an intellectual colossus is a reminder that given the opportunity to lead the country, he will make a great contribution to the growth and progress of Nigeria.

Losing an election hurts very badly, especially when the victim is the ruling party.' This is the lamentation of a member of the PDP after the party's presidential candidate, Dr Goodluck Jonathan, lost to Muhammadu Buhari in the 2015 presidential election. This captures the feelings of the PDP members across the country after the loss.

No worse calamity can befall a ruling party than to lose to the opposition. The ruling party cannot suffer a worse fate than watch itself slip into the opposition. So many consequences come with losing an election, which the leaders and delegates of APC must avoid at all costs. That is why we must guard against whatever thing that will make us assume the opposition party status.

We should, as a matter of utmost importance, learn from PDP's mistake that cost it the presidency in 2015. PDP did not lose the election on the polling day, but on the day it held its presidential primary election. The party's choice of a presidential candidate was the tool that nailed to death its chances of retaining the presidency. Up to this moment, the party still suffers from the consequences of this monumental loss.

First, the leaders of the party, especially the candidates for elective posts, were the first victims of the loss. There were top-to-bottom losses. The spillover effect of the loss was the loss of other elective posts. Most governorship, states and national assembly candidates on the platform of the PDP lost their own elections as a result of the loss of the presidential election. Most of these aspirants have within the past seven years, been forcefully retired from politics. This fate also awaits our party's candidates should we lose the presidential election on account of making the wrong choice of a presidential candidate.

Furthermore, the winner-takes-all scenario weighed heavily on the national delegates of the party who were also not left out of the tale of woes of the PDP. These party delegates lost the opportunities of being appointed to key positions in government, while those who already occupied such positions lost them immediately their party lost the presidential election. Ministers, ambassadors, board members, aides and allies all lost. One way in which we can avoid suffering this fate, as APC, is to vote wisely at the presidential primaries.

APC has an ample opportunity of avoiding being humiliated by the PDP. APC has only one way of avoiding swapping of fate with PDP. The only way it can survive and overcome PDP's rampaging threats is to choose its finest-quality brand in the person of Prof Yemi Osinbajo.

The choice of Osinbajo guarantees victory for the party. It will take away the fear of losing the election, and quicken PDP's defeat. A vote for him will permanently keep the PDP in the opposition quarters. A vote for Yemi Osinbajo will save the party's candidates, leaders and delegates from the dangers of not only losing elections, but also losing juicy political appointments in government.

Lest we forget, the consequences of losing the election will be too hard for us to bear. We have learned from the mistakes of PDP and shall not toe their path to failure, shall we?

When Professor Yemi Osinbajo was selected as the running mate of General Muhammadu Buhari in 2015, knowing little about him, some Nigeirans saw the choice of this fresh faced christian pastor as little more than a pawn to ensure the now president's election into office by swaying the Christian vote. Others saw him as a political novice with no real ambition. In spite of these opinions, some still saw potential in the brilliant legal mind and expected him to bring a calm and strategic head to the presidential cabinet. Differing opinions aside, few would have imagined the charisma, the vision and the impact that this legal luminary would bring to the seat of the Vice President over the past seven years.

Before anything it is important to understand the role of the Vice President. According to Wikipedia, The executive functions of the Nigerian vice president includes participation in all cabinet meetings and, by statute, membership in the National Security Council, the National Defence Council, Federal Executive Council, and the Chairman of National Economic Council. Although the vice president may take an active role in establishing policy in the Executive Branch by serving on such committees and councils, the relative power of the Nigerian vice president's office depends upon the duties delegated by the president. Simply put, The vice president is the second-in-command to the president in Nigeria's government. The President makes the decisions. A vice can make suggestions but ultimately, the burden of choice and decisions lie with the commander in chief. Why is this important?

It has been reported recently that there have been different hateful adverts targeting the Vice-President's presidential campaign. On the 11th of April 2022, Professor Yemi Osinbajo (PYO) declared his intention to run for president and some individuals were quick to point at his commendation of the work done by sitting President Muhammadu Buhari. They also pointed out PYO's intention to "continue what we have started" as evidence of the famous and mythical "weakness" that has been spread in the minds of Nigerians by a certain political enemy who shall not be named. "He will only be a pawn”, “The Cabal will use him”, “He had 7 years”, etc." There have been different versions of this same rhetoric populating pages all over social media. All of which unsubstantiated and unconfirmed. But it doesn't stop the spreading of the idea into the minds of the politically meek.

It would take a brave man to predict the heart of others, but seeing the clues, it is obvious to this writer that the aforementioned enemies foresree PYO as a threat in the presidential race and preemptively struck using a clever though unsubstantiated claim to discredit him. But it's also worth pointing out that because there have been shortcomings in government over the last 7 years does not mean there wasn't considerable effort made to change the situation.

As we have already discussed, the Vice-President only has so much power, but it does not mean policies weren't put forth, that campaigns were not started, that PYO was silent. On the 17th of November 2020. The Vice-President finally broke the silence from the government "Dear Nigerians, I know that many of you are angry, and understandably so. We could’ve moved faster and for this we are sorry,” he wrote. In that moving address it seemed like the Vice President carried the blame on his shoulders as he addressed the Nigerian people. He goes on to say "With Mr. President’s approval, SARS has been completely disestablished, and none of its former members will feature in any police tactical units", emphasizing that the final decision was never his to make. Sources in the villa have confirmed that the Vice-President had been on the issue from the start and had tried to cause an intervention before situations reached breaking point.

Unlike most of the other aspirants for the APC presidential ticket, it seems like Osinbajo has been called by the people into declaring his political ambition to be president. Seeing a need that only he can fill. Borrowing from his declaration speech, with utmost humility formally threw his hat into the running. Declaring his intention to run for the office of the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria on the platform of APC. This is despite knowing he'd have to run against a long time political godfather in Tinubu. The same Tinubu who had opposed his nomination as Vice-President, see OTHER ARTICLE for details.

Never one for the spotlight, the professor had always been moving in the background. Quietly building a reputation as a man of the people. "I have been to practically all local governments in Nigeria. I have been in markets, factories, schools, and farms. I have been in agricultural, mining, and oil-producing communities; in the Delta, in Kebbi, Enugu, Borno; Rivers, Plateau, and Ondo and in all other States of the federation, listening to the diverse experiences and yearnings of our people." And he wasn't joking.

A youth group in Gombe led by Babbangida Malabo from the National Coordinator of Progressive Youth Group celebrated the answer to their call which has been on since 2021. "We have been calling on the Vice President to contest for the presidency in 2023 general elections, we are grateful as he has declared his interest today, we the youths in Gombe are happy that he has answered our call".

What does this tell us? It would seem that those behind the smear campaign against the PYO's bid for the presidency know that the power lies in the acceptance of the people. That there is a great love for what Osinbajo represents in the eyes of the people. Their attacks only serve to further expose their fears that the people's preferred candidate is PYO. Attacks or no, the people know who represents their interests. Now it is left to the APC delegates who go to the polls on the 31st of May. It remains to be seen if they will be swayed by the money and smear campaigns, plunging the APC into irrelevance or if they will go with the will of the people and vote in who is the perfect person at the perfect time for Nigeria, Professor Yemi Osinbajo.

In October, 2011 the Italian-born and former Manchester City footballer, Mario Balotelli scored a crucial goal during his team's 6-1 demolition of arch-rivals, Manchester United at the Manchester derby at the Old Trafford Stadium. The controversial forward celebrated by lifting up his jersey to an undershirt message that read; 'Why Always Me?' He will later reveal that the write-up was his expression to everything going on around him, especially as it concerns his row with the media.
In the same vein, there are many people who are asking "Why Always Osinbajo?", in response to his declaration of interest to become the President of Nigeria in 2023. It would have been better if these persons were asking him not to run on the grounds that he is not eligible and qualified to contest for President, but rather they are focused on the fact that he has recently served seven years as Vice-President and is part of the Buhari's administration that came to power in 2015.
Now, to explain this, we have to honestly ask ourselves why we have lawmakers who have been in the House of Assemblies since democratic rule was restored in Nigeria on 29 May, 1999?
We have to also ask if there are no other better representatives in the constituencies where they come from?
A simple and quick answer will be that these lawmakers are returned to power because their people have enormous trust and confidence in them.
Well, we will have to also agree that this is the situation Professor Yemi Osinbajo finds himself in right now. Owing to the happenings in recent weeks, where we have seen political heavyweights declare their intentions to run for the post of President under the All Progressive Congress (APC), it then comes with a shock that there is a large followership in and out of the party who still insists the Vice-President is the right man for the job.
We have to sincerely ask ourselves if there is anything like enough service to the people? In this context I mean, if you as an employer hires a labourer to clear a piece of land and he does it very well to your satisfaction, another day when you need some portions to be cleared, will you call this same labourer if he informs you of his availability and readiness to carry the task or will you rather hire a new labourer?
I think it is important to remind these persons saying; "Why Always Osinbajo?", that the Vice-President is not seeking reelection for a third term nor does he want to twist the constitution to soothe his ambition, he is humbly seeking the party's ticket to run for the office of President in the next elections, and from all angles, it is within his right as a Nigerian citizen.
It is noteworthy to remind these persons that President Muhammadu Buhari ran for President thrice before eventually emerging victorious in 2015. There is a particular individual in the Nigerian political space that has been an aspirant across different political parties in every Presidential election since 1993 and he is still in the race for this forthcoming elections. What will these group of people say to this man? "Why Always Mr. A?" Will their voices be loud enough to tell Mr. A not to run for President again because he has been a former Vice-President?
These days when the clock ticks, the politicking of the day begins. So, do not be distracted by what the naysayers will come up with, the goal is to spread the good news of "Why Osinbajo is the best man for the job".

In the quest for power there will be disagreements and pursuit for personal interest, but the APC delegates should be careful that it does not cost the party at the main elections, where it really matters.
The year is 2022 and the 2023 elections are barely ten (10) months away. Guess what, it has been described by political actors and interested parties as an election that will be one of the "hottest" in the history of Nigerian elections. Without a doubt, most Nigerians will agree to this "hottest" tag because of the politicking we are seeing, with Presidential aspirants increasing on a daily basis. The consistent campaigns by political and non-political groups and even the unexpected events we do not see coming are also factors to consider in this conversation.
While we acknowledge that these are interesting times, we should also bear in mind that just like every other election, this one too will come and go. But before that, we will take a look at previous primary events that have troubled the party and led to its loss of State elections in a bid to remind All Progressive Congress (APC) delegates going into the presidential primaries of the mistakes of the past, so as not to repeat them.
On the road to 2019 general elections, APC suffered a lot of setbacks, especially as it concerns producing candidates to represent the party in both States and House of Assembly elections. It should be noted that in most States chapters of the party, there were a lot of factions and separate groups who worked to produce their own candidates in parallel elections against the ones organized by the party's National Working Committee (NWC). It happened that in most of these States, for a particular position or office, there were two or more candidates as a result of these different primaries held in the same State, with all of them claiming to be the party's chosen candidate.
Even, in most cases, some of these acclaimed candidates took the party to court asking to be recognized as the original winner of the primaries, affecting the party’s plan to work in tandem with the INEC timetable and deadline for presenting candidates for office. Though the party in its infinite wisdom and progressive nature was able to settle most of these disputes, some States' situation stood out; the Zamfara, Bayelsa, Edo and Anambra primary elections.
In Zamfara, it happened that an APC Senator representing Zamfara Central, Kabiru Marafa had issues with the then outgoing Zamfara Governor Abdul'aziz Yari over his loss of the Governorship primaries and on that note, he formed a faction that worked against the party. So when the party held primaries and submitted to INEC, Mr. Marafa sent an appeal challenging that no primaries held in the State. This disagreement went on and on and at a point, Mr. Marafa said; “it will be better to have another party in Zamfara than to have bad ones from APC just because APC wants to win.”. Unfortunately, this case stalled on in court and when judgment eventually was pronounced, the Supreme Court ordered that all votes to the APC, both in the House of Assembly should be awarded to the PDP candidates in that election and that was how the then opposition candidate, Mr. Bello Matawalle emerged Governor of Zamfara State. This is a warning to the APC delegates, that if we do not put our house in order, we could make wrong decisions that will lead to the rise of factional parties destroying the chances of the party's victory in the 2023 elections. If we allow this to happen, it means we have not learnt from our bitter history and it will be to the party's loss.
In Bayelsa, the party primaries produced two factions with the State's APC Chairman Jothan Amos fielding David Lyon who was also the preferred candidate of the former Bayelsa Governor and current Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Timipre Sylva. On the other hand, there was the Ogeibiri Orubebe faction which was in support of former Minister of State for Agriculture and Rural Development, Senator Heineken Lokpobiri, who was also vying for the Governorship seat. It happened that despite the unresolved quarrels, the party was able to successfully present David Lyon as its candidate for the November 19, 2019 Governorship election. Of course David Lyon will go ahead to emerge winner at the polls only to be stripped of his office by the Supreme Court's judgment a day before his inauguration due to falsification of documents. The key lesson here for the party is, the time spent in these quarrels would have been put in good use to research and present a better qualified candidate. This is why the APC delegates should not miss this opportunity of presenting PYO to Nigerians because he's the most qualified.
Meanwhile, in Edo the incumbent Governor, Godwin Obaseki was ready to contest his second term under the APC but his issues with the former State Governor, Adams Oshiomohle who was at that time, the party's National Chairman became an obstacle to his personal ambition. So, it happened that the continued back and forth with his former boss, whom he served as Head of the State's Economic Team, was not making a headway, he decamped to the opposition and unfortunately this cost the party the Edo State Governorship seat. There is a certain group that see PYO's presidential ambition as a fight against his father figure, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, this Obaseki and Oshiomohle's example is that no man can stop God's will for the people. Professor Yemi Osinbajo is God's will for Nigerians.
Recently, the party's loss in the Anambra State elections to a majority All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) raises the question, "where is the APC in Anambra?". Even though the party (APC) emerged third, it was a shameful third position with just 343 votes as compared to the first runner-up, the Peoples' Democratic Party (PDP) that polled 2,485 votes and the winner APGA 8,283 votes. How can a ruling party get just 343 votes in a State? Are there no delegates or registered party members from this zone? These are the questions. Anyway, the essence of this article is to point out some of these mistakes and where it all began.
The Anambra Gubernatorial primaries that produced Andy Uba was said to have been filled with irregularities and the controversy that followed is likened to that of Zamfara. A certain Chief George Moghalu was said to be the popular candidate but the party ended up giving Andy UBA the ticket and Moghalu who felt cheated by his years of loyalty and dedication to the party took the party to court.
One of the far-reaching consequences of the party's inconclusive primaries is that it distracts the party and its candidates, while other party candidates are busy moving around for campaigns, the troubled party is still awaiting the court's judgment which may creep into the election date. Therefore, it may not permit the party's candidate to familiarize themselves with the people or participate in events and debates where they need to convince the voters why they are the best fit for such offices.
Hence, these past events should serve as lessons to the APC delegates who think there is any other viable candidate to represent the party aside Professor Yemi Osinbajo who ticks all the boxes.

Electoral loss comes with a lot of consequences both for the party, the party members and Nigerians as a whole. One of such was the change of power in 2015 when over 15 million Nigerians decided they had had enough and went to the ballot to elect the new merger party, All Progressive Congress (APC) which is still the current ruling party in the country. However, it should be noted that power was not just given to the APC because Nigerians were tired of the then ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), it was also given because the APC presented itself as the most viable option to the Nigerian people at the time.
A similar situation presents itself, just like on the road to 2015 elections where a lot of wrong decisions were made in the internal politics of the PDP leading to the primaries, all which eventually led to the party's loss in the 2015 general elections and subsequent collapse in Nigerian politics. In truth, with everything going on with the APC right now, we must first admit that the party might be faced with a similar situation on the road to the 2023 elections. Thus, this article presents notable historical moments that led to the PDP's loss and why the forthcoming APC Primaries is a fear of obscurity.
It all began in the year 1999 when the Peoples' Democratic Party (PDP) emerged victorious in the general elections and took over the mantle of leadership in Nigeria. This victory of course attracted a lot of political heavyweights under its umbrella and together they joined hands to make the party a formidable one which at a point boasted that with its registered members, it was the largest political party in Africa. At this point, the PDP as a party had adopted a divisive strategy in winning elections and with this approach it ruled the country for the next 16 years, emerging victorious in the 1999, 2003, 2007 and 2011 general elections.
Thus, its unexpected loss in 2015 general elections came with a great shock not just for the party but for its members who never thought they will see a day when the party will be on the losing end at the polls, such was their confidence. However, it does not come as a surprise that after eight years as a ruling party, the APC finds itself in such a political dilemma and the threat of obscurity.
Party primaries are always battle grounds because everyone wants to emerge a winner. So, for the PDP in 2014 it was not an exception. The party's convention on 10 December, 2014 saw the adoption of then incumbent President Goodluck Jonathan by the over 3,050 delegates from the 36 states, even in the midst of controversies surrounding the forceful withdrawal of his challengers, Jelil Tafawa Balewa, son of Nigeria’s former Prime Minister, and Akasoba Duke-Abiola, widow of the late Moshood Abiola. Even though the latter insisted she was still in the presidential race. Anyway, the APC primaries are forthcoming and situations like this are expected as 5,000 party delegates lead the way in electing a candidate for the over 7 million party members.
Now, let me take the APC delegates down memory lane a bit. After the PDP's shocking defeat in 2015, what became of the party and the fate of its members?
There is this popular saying, "Everybody wants to be a part of the winning team" and of course, when "Africa's largest party" became the losing team, its members including host of party delegates that swore loyalty to the party began to find a place of refuge to become relevant once again in the political space. This is a warning to the APC delegates looking to let personal interest override their judgment for the interest of the party and a better Nigeria. Going forward into the APC Primaries, your best shot at maintaining your positions is Professor Yemi Osinbajo who has proven to be not just an achiever but a popular candidate who can rival political opponents at the polls.
If we are being honest, no career politician wants to ever be on the opposing side. I mean the actual reason they are always referred to as "the opposition" is because they are dedicated to finding faults in whatever the ruling party does, whether for the good of the Nigerian people or not, all the opposition cares about is getting access to power.
So, if my dear distinguished APC delegates care so much for their political careers and ambitions, they will do the right thing. The APC Delegates should also bear in mind that losing out your positions comes at a huge cost. If your decisions at the primaries lead to the party's loss, the new parties where you will seek refuge already have a road map in place and you being new members will be like starting your political careers all over again as a novice.
It is certain that a vote at the primaries to a moneybag who is incapable of providing actual governance due to failing health will dwindle our chances at the main election. Nigerians are watching and have seen the way Presidents of other countries are engaging and responding to the plights of their people. So you see that when Professor Yemi Osinbajo said he had visited almost every local government in the country, he understood what Nigerians has been searching for in a leader these past 7 years?
Also, if my dear distinguished APC delegates decide in the primaries that the candidate who should bear the party's flag is a young and inexperienced man, we should all be prepared to return as the opposition party as this set of Nigeria's electorate are now wiser and are not moved by a young candidate who cannot provide governance even at State level, talk more of leading over 200 million Nigerians.
In a nutshell, the APC delegates should know that voting against PYO at the party's primaries will be a vote against themselves.

Since his emergence as Nigeria’s number-two citizen, different accounts had been flying around on how Professor Yemi Osinbajo, actually secured the coveted vice-presidential slot, a majority of which revolved around the person of Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, his former boss. Indeed, the recent revelation by Chief Bisi Akande in his book, “My Participations” was equally slanted to further pin down the narrative.

You may recall that in 2016, Professor John Paden, authored a biography, ‘Muhammadu Buhari: The Challenges of leadership in Nigeria’, where he dismissed speculations that Tinubu, influenced the emergence of Osinbajo as Buhari’s running mate, but contended that Buhari, instead, chose Osinbajo despite a lot of pressure from Tinubu, who was interested in the position. That book raised a lot of dust and as expected, Tinubu’s soldiers went for the professor.

But, regardless of whichever version you must have read or heard, what you are about to read now is the untold story of how Professor Osinbajo, became Buhari’s running mate and eventually, the Vice President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

It happened that the All Progressives Congress (APC) was almost running against the deadline for the submission of names of its candidates ahead of the 2015 presidential election. There was no debate about its presidential candidate, Muhammadu Buhari, who had emerged at a convention held in Lagos in December of 2014. But the party had been held hostage on its choice for the running mate.

In the forefront of the confusion that had ensued as a result was Tinubu, who didn’t hide his desire to fill the slot. He hinged this on the understanding he allegedly had with Buhari in the early days of their proposed alliance, before the merger that eventually culminated in the formation of the APC, now boasting several other tendencies.

With a bigger house made possible by what was known as the ‘legacy parties’ and other individuals, who championed the change movement, a Muslim/Muslim ticket had become arguably impracticable.

This much was canvassed by a majority of the actors with stakes in the party, especially, with the increasing attacks from the Boko Haram terrorist group. They had considered a Muslim/Muslim ticket a very hard sell.

However, with 24 hours to deadline for submission of names, coupled with the fact that Tinubu had made a smooth choice of a running mate nearly impossible, including the fact that he was made to chair a selection committee, which failed to fly, because of his vested interest, Buhari then decided to take the bull by the horn, being the candidate.

While the underhand intrigues subsisted, Buhari had set up a team of some persons, including a former governor of Zamfara State, Abdul-Aziz Yari; former President of the Senate, Dr. Bukola Saraki; incumbent Governor of Sokoto State, Aminu Tambuwal and his predecessor, Magatakarda Wamakko, amongst others to shortlist names of likely candidates for him, from the South.

Interestingly, it seemed there was a consensus that with the role of the Southwest, the running mate must come from the zone, reason other interested folks from other parts of the country could not fly.

The committee had completed its work and submitted a list of three names to Buhari. First on the list is a former Osun State governor, Prince Olagunsoye Oyinlola, followed by Senator Olorunimbe Mamora and third, Professor Yemi Osinbajo. Please, follow the trend and how Osinbajo’s name first featured in the 2015 theatrics.

Armed with the list and wary of the deadline staring him in the face, Buhari left for Tinubu’s house in Abuja, first to explain that a Muslim/Muslim ticket was not going to fly, meaning he would be unable to run with him and that in the alternative, he (Tinubu) could recommend anyone from the list to him as his preferred choice for the slot. At least, he thought it was okay to do him that honour.

Unfortunately, Tinubu didn’t receive the news well and flared up so bad that he was alleged to have engaged in war of words with Buhari, who stormed out of his house, after Tinubu had insinuated betrayal. Amongst those in Tinubu’s house at the time were Chief Bisi Akande, Rauf Aregbesola and Adams Oshiomhole. But only Oshiomhole walked Buhari to his car as he made to leave the house.

From Tinubu’s house, Buhari stopped over at the home of a former governor from the Southern part of the country and told him all that transpired, and went back home – angry and disappointed.

Getting home, he sent for Saraki and when the former Senate President got to his place, he narrated what happened and the embarrassment meted out to him, saying if Tinubu wanted a fight, he was ready and he would give it back in full dose.

But Saraki pleaded with him that it was too early and that the situation was not what they couldn’t manage well before the elections. Saraki immediately contacted a former Ogun State governor, Senator Ibikunle Amosun, and hinted him that there was fire on the mountain and that he needed to come around to join forces with him to manage the situation. Amosun left his home in Abeokuta, first for Lagos and then Abuja, and straight to Buhari’s home.

Thus, when he got there, he was intimated with all that had happened, but he was particularly worried about deadline and pleaded with Buhari to let him take it over from there. So, he left for Tinubu’s place to close the deal.

By the time he got to Tinubu’s residence, Oshiomhole had left but still with him were Baba Akande and Ogbeni Aregbesola. Typical of Amosun, who would not waste time on anything, he told Tinubu that Buhari’s mind was already made up, but that he should decide now, who he wanted as the running mate, at least, that only the individual he chose would be presented to Buhari and not give him the pleasure of choosing from a list.

Still angry and disappointed, the first person Tinubu suggested in that rage was Oshiomhole. But as if planned, there was almost a unanimous opposition from everyone in the room. Then, Aregbesola suggested Osinbajo and he (Tinubu) opposed it, saying Osinbajo was one of those, who campaigned against a Muslim/Muslim ticket and must therefore not benefit from it.

Now, let’s digress a bit. Tinubu’s anger against Osinbanjo was this. The former Lagos governor had set up a team of persons close to him to ponder the Muslim/Muslim idea and the best way to push it forward. Those on the team included Professor Yemi Osinbajo, Senator Tokunbo Afikuyom, Mr. Wale Edun, Mr. Dele Alake and Mr. Dapo Thomas. The team met regularly at a private Guest House on the Island, Ikoyi to be precise.

But Osinbajo had during one of their meetings said pointedly that there was no way he would defend a Muslim/Muslim ticket in good conscience especially, with the state of security in the country. He asked on what account would he go back to his family and say he was part of such a decision? Of course, Tinubu got a feedback from the team and held it against him, even though Osinbajo didn’t mean any harm.

Therefore, at the mention of Osinbajo, he revolted almost instantly. But he needed to give a name and time was fast going before deadline. So, he asked to see the list brought by Buhari and on sighting it, he said, “Okay, let’s run with Oyinlola.” To that too, Baba Akande protested and it was back to square one.

Again, Aregbesola prevailed and contended that, like it or not, Osinbajo remained a member of Tinubu’s political family and therefore, still his best bet. After a few minutes of grumbling, he reluctantly agreed to Osinbajo. And Amosun asked him repeatedly if it was a deal and he responded in the affirmative. Final answer kind of thing! Mamora was not even to be considered as far as Tinubu was concerned. Those who know Lagos politics would understand why.

When he finally agreed to Osinbajo, Aregbesola even pleaded to be given the honour of being the person to break the news to Osinbajo. But Amosun didn’t have the patience to acquiesce to that request. For him, time was of the essence and that assignment was handled business-like. Therefore, how Baba Akande handed them a note with Osinbajo’s name and ordered them to Buhari is still a mirage. Besides, Aregbesola did not go with him.

Anyway, in the presence of all, Amosun made a call to Osinbajo to ask, where he was and that a plane would be sent to convey him now to Abuja. But, incidentally, Osinbajo replied that he was in Abuja already, because he had a case at the Supreme Court.

Great, everything seemed to be working together for good, he reckoned. Then asked him to come immediately to Ogun House in Abuja, and when he arrived, he first congratulated him saying, “You’re the next vice-president of Nigeria.”

With a confounding gaze, he conveyed him in his (Amosun’s) car and drove straight to Buhari’s house, with Kemi Adeosun, former Minister of Finance, sitting in front of the car.

Getting to the candidate’s residence, Amosun asked Osinbajo to wait downstairs, while he went upstairs to see the president and told Buhari: “I have him sir,” and Buhari asked: “Who?” and he replied: “Your running mate”.

The APC candidate then came downstairs, where he first met with Osinbajo for the first time as introduced to him by Amosun and immediately, ushered them to a sitting area in the kitchen, where his nomination form was filled in a hurry.

Osinbajo, filling his form in Buhari’s dinning area, was guided by Mrs. Adeosun, Amosun and Sarki Abba, one of Buhari’s domestic staff, to hasten up the process. Buhari, too, was there watching them complete the process.

This is why for those, who know the story, how Osinbajo later turned out to be Amosun’s enemy remains a mystery to them. But with this insider picture of how Osinbajo ‘walked from Lagos to Abuja’, readers can now decide by themselves, the person, who actually made Osinbajo the vice president. To do this, however, five centres must be factored into account.

The first is the team set up by Buhari, which included him amongst the three potential candidates. The second is Aregbesola, who consistently mentioned him until it was approved. The third is Tinubu, who reluctantly agreed to his choice, without which they probably would have been unable o move on.

The fourth was Amosun, who had to run a major and serious race from Abeokuta to Lagos and Abuja to make sure that phase in the life of APC was closed. The fifth and most important is Buhari himself. He could have rejected him if he wanted to. After all, he was going to be working with him and definitely should have a say in the choice of his partner.

But if you asked this writer, no one person made Osinbajo vice president. The coming together of everyone as designed by God did the job. Therefore, no one person can claim the glory. This, in a nutshell, is the story of Osinbajo’s journey to the seat of power, Abuja.

All the additions and facts deliberately mutilated by Baba Akande are curious. But, it is understandable. Above all, if you are in doubt, many names are mentioned here as witnesses to the journey, you can check with them all.

Written by
Olawale Olaleye

Promoted by Higher Nigeria Movement

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Every day, the race for who succeeds President Buhari in 2023 becomes more and more interesting. It is also important to mention that though Nigeria is blessed with a lot of good heads to succeed the president, one talking point has continued to be the increase in the rising number of individuals who have all indicated interest to succeed the outgoing President whose tenure comes to an end in May next year. To narrow this number of persons, we take a look at the All Progressive Congress (APC) with distinguished political heavyweights like Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu (ABAT), Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi, Yahaya Bello, Dave Umahi, Yemi Osinbajo amongst others who are yet to officially make their declaration.
As a progressive, it is important to understand that internal rivalry is expected at this stage, as all of these aspirants are focused on achieving their ambitions which will be decided by the party when it finally picks a candidate to fly the party's flag in the main election. However, the road that leads to the party primaries is not always a smooth ride, thus this article presents to everyone, the APC Game of Thrones.
On 10 January 2022 after a visit to the president, 70-years-old Bola Ahmed Tinubu who happens to be a respectable leader of the APC and former two-term Lagos State Governor, declared his interest to run for the post of the President of The Federal Republic of Nigeria. Of course, Nigeria practices a democratic system of government and everyone is welcome to have a seat at the table. This is why for Bola Ahmed Tinubu and his supporters, it is the perfect time to fulfil his long term ambition, regardless of the fact that the aspirant seems to have experienced a little relapse health-wise recently which questions his fitness to withstand the pressures of the Nigerian presidency. It is also imperative to note that there exists a candidate in Osinbajo, a government official, who to the best of our knowledge, has never travelled abroad for medical tourism. In fact, at 65 years old he is still very strong, agile and fit to carry out functions as directed by the incumbent president, in service of the country.
Also, come to think of it, if a father says his son is not old enough to declare for the presidency, is he simply saying that because his son is incapable or is this because this father has refused to give way for his son to rule?
Well, it did not take long, barely twenty-four (24 hours) after Bola Ahmed Tinubu informed Mr President of his interest to succeed him, that a sitting Governor of Ebonyi State, Dave Umahi also declared his interest to run for president, after a visit to the president on 11 January 2022. Actually, for Dave Umahi and his supporters, his achievements in his State within the last seven (7) years is commendable enough to go ahead and lead over 200 million Nigerians. It is also true that Dave Umahi came into the party from the opposition not too long ago and today, he is one of those who wants the party's ticket to be zoned to his region. Meanwhile, there is an Osinbajo who has been a loyal party man from the beginning of it all, when the party became a coalition. Is it also right to say that there are fair-weather friends of the party, who will stick when it is all rosy? What happens when the wood is dry? How will an unfriendly neighbour who recently became friends with my family start making demands that my children refer to him as Daddy?
Another sitting Governor, Yahaya Bello of Kogi State on 2 April 2022 made his declaration official of his interest to occupy the first office in the country. His vision comes from the clamour for a young president by the majority of Nigerians who are supporters of the #NotTooYoungToRun bill which was passed into law. At 42, Yahaya Bello presents himself as one of the vibrant choices available out there. But, over time, his antecedents and performance in his State has not really been reflective and convincing of a good leader. Hence, it goes to say that it is not just enough being a young candidate, it is more of experience which Osinbajo has in abundance. Also, as an employer, will you rather employ a young and vibrant candidate as opposed to an older individual with more experience in a field?
In what seemed like a Thanksgiving Service, turned into an APC event, on 9 April 2022, the Minister of Transportation and former two-term Governor of Rivers State, Rt. Hon. Rotimi Amaechi declared his intentions to run for the post of president to succeed, President Muhammadu Buhari at the end of his tenure. In the midst of the jubilation by support groups that greeted his declaration, there is a question mark to his ambition which is, section 84. The updated Electoral Act states;
Section 84(12) states that “No political appointee at any level shall be a voting delegate or be voted for at the convention or congress of any political party for the purpose of the nomination of candidates for any election”.
Why did Amaechi not resign and follow due process as stipulated by the Electoral Act. If he considers himself above the law, imagine what he’ll do as a Nigerian President? Meanwhile, there is an Osinbajo who fought tooth and nail to ensure that the sanctity of the law is always protected. Remember when he dismissed the Director-General of the DSS, Lawal Daura for illegal invasion of the National Assembly, and also forwarded Walter Onnoghen’s name to be confirmed as Chief Justice of Nigeria in such a crucial time.
In conclusion, the timely declaration of Professor Yemi Osinbajo on April 11, 2022 has got many talking because, Nigerians have realized that in the race towards the iron throne in Aso Rock, there is no other person who is more worthy of the seat than Professor Yemi Osinbajo come 2023.

Dear Delegate, the presidential primaries are an opportunity to show your patriotism, not for self-enrichment. Take the decision for which posterity will judge you fairly. This is the time to show how much you love your country. Vote for the progress of this country, not to satisfy the wishes of any godfather.
You must consider the plight of the masses. Let your single vote bring a turnaround in their lives. Vote for the man that can deliver the dividends of good leadership. For this one decision, the world watches you. Dear Delegate, your wise vote will improve agriculture, fix infrastructure, and create youth employment. If you choose money above these, our society, our children, our families, our friends, including you, will suffer the consequences. Wouldn't you rather vote wisely?
You owe a duty to society, and not to godfathers or moneybags. Do not mortgage your conscience by selling your votes. Be that courageous delegate that can be trusted. Vote wisely.

The election season is upon us and every corner is getting busy with political and non-political groups drumming support for their aspirants. Despite these activities and events going on in the political space, a surprisingly large number of the voting community are still undecided on who to vote for come 2023. No doubt the purpose of these many campaign trains and troupes is to convince these undecided voters on why each aspirant works as the best fit for their desired positions.
This article will look at some of the achievements of Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo, showing us why he should be in the conversation surrounding the upcoming presidential race.
Today, there are over 700 interest groups in Nigeria urging the Vice-President to run for Presidency because they believe he will do well in succeeding President Muhammadu Buhari when his tenure comes to an end in 2023.
The Vice-President, Professor Yemi Osinbajo has been travelling around the country to engage in peace talks toward ending the security challenges facing the country. We have seen Professor Yemi Osinbajo paying condolence visits to the affected families and victims of attacks carried out by bandits and violent groups like Boko Haram in the North East. It is also true that in these seven (7) years as Vice-President, he has helped to provide food, shelter, water and other basic amenities for the thousands of people who have been forced to leave their homes following violent attacks and destruction of their properties by these evil elements roaming the country today. The Vice-President is also making efforts to ensure that these persons return back to their homes safely because everybody knows there is no place like home.
Also, the Vice-President has supported big technology companies to grow in Nigeria. He attended ceremonies where young Nigerians are rewarded for their efforts in creating and building companies and designs. He has not only supported them with encouragement but ensured investments and money is used to support these companies by young Nigerians. Professor Yemi Osinbajo has said that one of the reasons he supports the youths is because he knows they are the future of the country.
In the past administrations, people used to say that the Vice-President does not really do work because the President is in charge. But, Professor Yemi Osinbajo as Vice-President has done many things to help the country, even when the President was not around. We heard of how he sacked the Director-General of the Department of State Service (DSS), Lawal Daura who wanted to stop the lawmakers from holding a meeting. It is important to understand that the Vice-President took this action because the Director-General of the Department of State Service (DSS) was not following the law, and the Vice-President as a Professor of Law respects and understands the law very well, so he took the right decision to save the country from more trouble when his boss, the President was away from the country.
Although there are many political commentators who will say, the Vice-President has not officially declared his intention to run for the number one position in the land, even when there are speculations that he had already informed his boss, President Munhammadu Buhari of his intention to succeed him after the end of his administration come February 2023. That is a story for another day as this article was to acknowledge the good works and efforts of the Vice-President, Professor Yemi Osinbajo and why he deserves to be in the race for the Presidency.
In conclusion, I will say there is a reason why we often ask others if they are familiar with a product or item before we go ahead to purchase it. Thus, moving forward with Professor Yemi Osinbajo (PYO) will simply be relying on his wealth of experience and proven track record in moving the country forward. In local parlance, our people say; "show workings, make your future for bright."

Shortly after the All Progressive Congress (APC) won the 2019 general elections, word on the streets began to circulate; "who will come after Baba?". Many questioned if this conversation was too soon, after all, the current administration had barely settled into its second term and there was still a lot it needed to achieve. Nonetheless, this pertinent question remained unanswered as the years went by, even as the search for a worthy successor for the King of the North intensified.
However, in this quest for a worthy successor to President Muhammadu Buhari, one recurring factor is that irrespective of party affiliations, and political and non-political interest groups, everyone’s eyes seem to be set on the actualization of a better Nigeria.
It is on record that President Muhammadu Buhari had signed the Electoral Bill into law on 25 February 2022 to pave the way for the Federal and State elections which will come up on February 25 and March 11, 2023, respectively. Also, by virtue of the Electoral Bill, political parties have been notified to have their primaries and verified candidates for several positions in line with the election calendar. Amongst these positions is that of the President which is always the most interesting for several reasons. Why is the presidency so important? Well, it’s easy to look to the internal and external politicking that goes on amongst party members and then the outfield players also known as political opponents.
Even though some aspirants are yet to officially declare their intentions to run for the number one position in the country, it is no news that all progressives' are familiar with the heavyweights who have made their intentions known so far to contest the Presidential position under the All Progressive Congress (APC).
With that being said, what is the first question that needs to be answered sincerely by anyone, most especially a Progressive who claims to want the best for Nigeria?
Recently, there have been calls for the All Progressive Congress to zone its Presidential position to the South, and this is because the outgoing President, Muhammadu Buhari is from the Northern region. It is to balance the equation that most Progressives' have considered this one of the best ways to unify the party which has been experiencing some minor setbacks as it relates to leadership. Even, the recent appointment of Senator Adamu Abdullahi as the party National Chairman from the North Central has also been mentioned as one of the reasons why the Presidency should be zoned to the South which has a vested interest in the formation of the party, as one of its merger in February 2013 when the coalition was formed.
Also, a Progressive who wants a better Nigeria should be in agreement that the APC should decide on a consensus candidate who is experienced, vibrant, wise and agile in making decisions. This is because the average Nigerian is a youth since they account for about 60% of the country's population. So, if the party should have a consensus candidate, it should be a man who is youthful at heart and familiar with the happenings around the world, especially as it concerns technology and innovative advancements which is fast taking the economy of the world to greater heights. Nigerian Youths are part and parcel of these communities and it will only be mindful if we decide on such a candidate.
Another recurring argument within the party walls has been that bothering on the faith and religious beliefs of the next president. Nigeria is a multi-religious nation and as it is, politics goes hand-in-hand with religion. This is why some sections are of the opinion that the next Nigerian President should be a Christian. Simply because, the outgoing President, Muhammadu Buhari is a Northern Muslim and the call for a Southern Christian leader is thereby not out of line for equality in the search for a worthy successor.
Lastly, all Progressives should want a man who is the "man of the people" that lights up the face of the masses everywhere he goes. The man who cares for the market women and the unemployed Nigerian graduate, the man who champions the cause to take displaced Nigerians back to their homes, the man who creates an enabling environment for Nigerian businesses and investments to thrive. This is the man we should support to actualize our dream of a better Nigeria.

Peace be unto us. Ramadan is upon us, and the moon is bright as ever. As we soak in the promise of a new month, permit me to hum a lullaby to my dear nation and her people:
Why we must get it right in the 2023 elections
From year to year, Nigerians have always looked forward to our election year as a significant pact toward our country's future. In this vein, the forthcoming election in 2023 is not left out, as many political analysts have described it as a defining pathway towards a higher Nigerian movement. Nonetheless, the variations in themes and tags attached to next year's election send an important message to every Nigerian citizen on why we must get it right in the 2023 elections.

Why we must get it right in the 2023 elections
From year to year, we experience a population increase that can be put to greater advantage if we are ready to make the right choice in 2023. Statistically, as the most populous black nation, we have the strength, manpower and a vibrant youthful population deep into technological advancements and innovative creations. There is a leader who has clearly attracted investments into the tech space and created an environment that has seen Nigerian fintech companies like Flutterwave, Andela, Jumia, and others become unicorns and multi-billion companies. A vote for an aspirant who supports the ambitions and drive of the youths will push Nigeria forward as an important creative hub in Africa. To make this step in the right direction, we need to get things right in 2023.

Why we must get it right in the 2023 elections
From year to year, we call on our leaders to restructure the country, amend the constitution and ensure basic amenities are accessible to every Nigerian. Even though we have scaled through some of these policies that have been enacted by the current administration, will you rather vote for continuity in 2023 or a new individual who will come and discontinue all that has been set in motion?

Why we must get it right in the 2023 elections
From year to year, we call on the government to help with healthcare insurance in the abundance of health centres equipped by the government across the country. Inevitably, our family members, friends and relations are bound to fall sick due to one ailment or the other. We often say; "Health is wealth" with little or no money at hand. This is why the government has subsidized treatments in some of these health centres where people can be treated at a low cost. It is also undeniable that no one plans to be ill, hence, in such situations, we are not always fully prepared or financially buoyant to foot the bills. Sometimes, the cost leaves us at the mercy of others in the public, to crowdfund and save a life. This is why going forward, only consider a leader that will prioritize our healthcare, someone we can trust with our lives.

Why we must get it right in the 2023 elections
From year to year, we complain about the government's failures and inability to provide a conducive environment that will yield job creation. But when we take a closer look, it becomes clear that government schemes like N-Power, Jubilee Scheme, Sure-P and other programmes have been instrumental in keeping the unemployed population from being idle. Going forward, your vote should only be for that man who is ready to do more for the unemployed Nigerian population. This is another reason why we must get it right in the 2023 elections.