2023: On the road to Aso Rock

2023: On the road to Aso Rock

By: James Bwala

Many battle ready stallions were seen parading themselves. The atmosphere is beginning to charge with songs of war. The battle drums are being heard from a distance and with each passing day the battle line is being drawn with massive voices calling on the names of those gladiators they are permuting on to stand tall on the road to Aso Rock.

Both the ruling All Progressive Congress, APC and the strongest opposition party in the country – the People’s Democratic Party, PDP have brought on the battle fronts a formidable formation. While it is natural to have these politicians falling over themselves at such time as this, it is becoming very interested to follow the unfolding situation particularly in the APC where according to many reports incidents coincide with the Biblical history of the month which saw the greatest betrayal in the story presented of the Lord Jesus Christ and his disciple Judas Iscariot.

While some have brought this scenario to the political platform Nigerians to witness between the APC National Leaders, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu and his political son, the Vice President Professor Yemi Osinbajo, it is however, to be reminded that such occasions in politics is no news to those who are following political events. Although it took many by surprise, the declaration of Vice President Professor Yemi Osinbajo is something that most happened owing to the political arrangement on the road to Aso Rock.

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A lot had happened in the last seven years of the Buhari’s administration that gave Nigerians the opportunity to look inwards to decide what future they would love to have after the Buhari regime most have expired in 2023. Both Tinubu and Osinbajo are products of the APC administration and both have the privilege of support from the over 40 million membership of the party. 

With a sizeable number of those seeking to seat where Buhari had sat. The road to Aso Rock in 2023 may not be taken on a smooth ride with daring moves as seen both within the ruling party and opposition PDP. The much talked about people’s democratic party, PDP are governor Wike of Rivers State, Tambuwal of Sokoto and former Vice President Atiku Abubakar to say a few. But on this national acceptability is seen playing alongside with Atiku than the rest.

While APC is reeling from names like Ameachi, Rich, Tinubu and Osinbajo to mention a few. That party in the local runs may have just presented the biggest political challenge the nation may experience in the unfolding events. Although equally strong in their individual character, the tune by which the echo of war drums are beating does not present nationality in the open spaces especially on the account of Tinubu and Osinbajo.

I have read a piece by Farooq Kperogi and stories from MURIC as well as the REDEEMERS body language and I concluded that this perhaps is going to be the most sensitive political time in Nigeria’s history. The sensitivity could be heavier than the experience of the 2015 general election that brought President Muhammadu Buhari to power.

But time will tell whether Farooq Kperogi is right, whether MURIC is right or whether the REDEEMITES are right. I will take the observer position and see the unfolding realities and to further understand claims on all parties to fulfill these dramatic appearances from all parties to the game as Buhari concludes his part on the stage. Whether Tinubu, Atiku or Osinbajo Nigeria will continue to be remembered but people will fall especially those who are taking a do or die posture to this drama that will come and go as it continues to revolve around our history since the return of democracy in 1999.

Already there has been accusation and counter accusation since the declaration of the Vice President about a week ago. Although supporters of the Jagaban would want Nigerians to believe that they are not moved by this declaration, it is understandable that political pains can also come with laughter. It is only natural to have courage in the face of disappointment. 

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The declaration by Vice President Professor Yemi Osinbajo of his desire to run for the office of the president was considered morally unjustifiable and legally blind by supporters of the Asiwaju movement both at home and in diaspora. From the many pieces and writings floating on social media one can understand the pain of what they term ‘betrayal’. 

But the truth is that Asiwaju cannot contest against himself. If he needs to be a president, these are signs that should strengthen his position rather than showing a sign of weakness by choosing who should fight alongside him and who should not in this unique arrangement.

What is more moral in a political situation like this than to be politically immoral? I think the Vice President regardless of his ambition and those supporting his move for such an open challenge against his one-time Boss could be the highest legal Cross he had to take in fulfilling his desire and call to lead. 

2023: On the road to Aso Rock