While speculations about Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s interest in the 2023 presidential election have been rife for months, the leak of the former Lagos State governor’s manifesto has put to rest any doubts about whether the All Progressives Congress (APC) chieftain would run for the country’s top job.
According to Naija News, Tinubu got a leaked manifesto over the weekend, indicating that it is just a matter of time before he declares his candidacy for the presidency.
The manifesto, titled “Seven Point Agenda: The Rebirth Manifesto,” outlined Tinubu’s vision for Nigeria if he were elected president.
Education, technology, infrastructure, domestic enterprise, leadership, true federalism, and democratic process were among the seven essential issues included in the campaign master plan.
Leadership
Provide transformational leadership that has the ability to unify all of Nigeria and lead us to the attainment of shared goals and vision.
Technology
Leverage modern technology for digital transformation and economic growth.
Security
Create conditions that allow citizens move and transact freely across the Nation.
Infrastructure
Commence extensive infrastructural development by building basic foundational services (24 hrs access to electricity, roads, bridges e.t.c) that connect (power) people and businesses ultimately improving the quality of living.
Homegrown Businesses
Build platforms that enable and empower homegrown businesses to scale and compete favourably in the global market.
Education
Deploy initiatives targeted at promoting knowledge and equipping learners of all age groups with the skills and values needed to address modern-day challenges globally. Propagate and activate strategies that also promote a sense of pride and awakening amongst all Nigerian citizens to the extent that people feel extremely patriotic and ecstatic to be Nigerians.
True Federalism and Democratic Processes
Promote democracy, realize human potential and create conditions for prosperity and progress.
Sources disclosed to Naija News that Tinubu, a former Lagos State governor, would declare his presidential ambition officially.
“Our leader (Tinubu) would declare interest in the presidency very soon. We are confident he is the man to take Nigeria forward if you look at what he has been able to achieve both in government and privately,” the source said.
Bola Tinubu has remained silent about his interest in the role despite the rumors and speculations.
Several organizations, including the South West Agenda for Asiwaju (SWAGA), have instead taken it upon themselves to rally support for Tinubu’s candidacy.
Tinubu’s latest moves, which included a visit to Kano State earlier this year, have given his presidential ambitions even more legitimacy.
According to observers, the visit was designed at bolstering connections with the north ahead of the next election.
Orji Uzor Kalu, a former governor of Abia State, recently paid Tinubu a visit, sparking rumors about his bid to succeed Buhari.
Despite the allure of presidential authority and his influence in Nigeria’s political environment, particularly his role in President Muhammadu Buhari’s ascent in 2015, many experts say the former Action Congress leader should be a kingmaker rather than a king.
