2023: Anxiety Over Tinubu’s Health As Allies Weigh Options

Bola Tinubu’s health, a member of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), is a hot topic in the run-up to the 2023 general elections.

Despite the fact that the former Lagos Governor has yet to openly proclaim his intention to run for president, his ambition is undeniable.

Tinubu was supposed to run with then-retired General Muhammadu Buhari after the APC was formed in 2013. Despite warnings against a Muslim/Muslim ticket, this was dropped.

Due to the adamant resistance, a law professor, Yemi Osinbajo, was chosen as the running mate.

Tinubu nominated the Vice President, whom he appointed and kept as Lagos Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice from 1999 to 2007.

The co-founder of the National Democratic Coalition (NADECO) has been in the United Kingdom for treatment since July. He endured another surgery, according to reports.

President Buhari paid a visit to Tinubu on Thursday before flying back to Nigeria after meeting with his physicians after the London conference.

Nigerians are apprehensive of another “ill leader” given Buhari’s medical history and that of a predecessor, the late Musa Yar’adua.

Photos of Tinubu with his grandchildren, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Rep. James Faleke, and President Muhammadu Buhari elicited a mixed response.

Opponents disagree with supporters of the Jagaban of Borgu, who claim he is fine and will be totally fit in time for elections.

They argue that meetings, rallies, and tours, among other things, necessitate physical strength, and advise the Senator of the Third Republic to relax and continue as a kingmaker.

A clergyman, Gabriel Evans, claimed this week that certain powerful Nigerians are “ganging up” on Tinubu and want him dead.

The leader of His Majesty’s Evangelical Ministry bemoaned the fact that “personal ambition” had blinded the politicians’ creations.

“They didn’t remember he was a monopolistic, undemocratic person when he selected them over others. Now, they are painting him in bad light. They are praying for his death…that he should not return to Nigeria”, Evans said.

Bode George, a vociferous opponent, is unconvinced by Tinubu’s supporters’ arguments. He recently stated that those who are rooting for him to succeed Buhari should think twice.

In an interview with Arise TV, the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) leader promised to renounce his citizenship if the APC leader is elected president.

Tinubu “appropriated the funds of this state,” George said, accusing him of using Alpha Beta “to steal the treasury of Lagos.”

“For God’s sake, is that the kind of man for the job? The best man to be Nigeria’s President? I will do whatever is necessary to renounce my citizenship if that happens”, he hinted.

Tinubu, on the other hand, is credited by David Setonji, Chairman of the Lagos House of Assembly Committee on Information and Security, for furthering “real federalism and constitutional progress.”

Setonji stated Tinubu “planned, plotted, co-hatched the biggest and most successful political coalition of all time in Africa — APC” and “qualifies to be termed the doyen of democracy in Nigeria” in an article on why he should run.

He described the politician as a “financial strategist and competent political administrator” who will deliver because the country “is asking to bolt free towards its rightful place as the black race’s pride.”

According to the congressman, anyone who does not have a plan, preparedness, stamina, or fundraising capacity would die politically during the presidential campaign.

“Tinubu has extensive connections stretching across decades…It is in the interest of the South to give the opportunity to the man who not only has paid the right dues, but has the mettle and throttle to prevail at the polls.”

As the discussion over Asiwaju’s ambition rages on, his supporters are considering other options. If his energy wanes, one of the cards, according to DAILY POST, instructs him to anoint a candidate.

Inner circle members and support organizations are waiting to hear from Tinubu on the next round of actions, with the 2023 struggle expected to begin in January 2022.

In the last ten months, the former governor has left Nigeria three times, mostly for medical reasons. He is scheduled to arrive in Nigeria by the end of August.