Following last week’s endorsement of President Muhammadu Buhari by seven Northern governors, Nigerian NewsDirect learnt that a new set of governors led by Ogun State governor, Senator Ibikunle Amosun would visit the Aso Rock soon to endorse Buhari for second term.
Amosun, a known ally of Buhari from his days in All Nigerian Peoples Party is already contacting some APC governors to endorse Buhari publicly.
According to sources close to Nigerian NewsDirect, some of the governors being contacted include, Ondo State governor, Barr Rotimi Akeredolu, Edo State Governor, Godwin Obaseki, Imo State Governor, Rochas Okorocha, Katsina state governor, Aminu Bello Masari, Borno State governor, Kashim Shettima and Bauchi State governor, Mohammed Abdullahi Abubakar
Last week, seven northern governors endorsed the President for second term , although the President has not indicated interest in seeking re-election in 2019. However, it was reported that he has appointed Minister of Transport, Rotimi Amaechi as the Director General of his campaign team.
Those involved in the endorsement were Abubakar Bello (Niger); Ibrahim Geidam (Yobe); Yahaya Bello (Kogi); Abdullahi Ganduje (Kano); Nasir El-Rufai (Kaduna); Jibrilla Bindow (Adamawa) and Simon Lalong (Plateau).
The governors, who had earlier prayed along with the President at the State House Mosque before the meeting, declared that they had no apologies for endorsing Buhari. But a People’s Democratic Party Chieftain, Chief Femi Fani Kayode described the governors as a bunch of losers and scumbags.
“They are sadists, leeches, parasites and vampires who have fed fat off the blood of the innocent Nigerians that Buhari and his Fulani terrorists have shed over the last three years”.
However, sources close to APC National leader, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu said the former Lagos State governor was still watching the scenario.
“When Buhari wanted to contest in 2015, he came to Tinubu to declare his intention, if he wants to seek re-election, let him declare but it will be improper for Asiwaju, a known democrat and National leader of the party to publicly endorse one aspirant when there are many other aspirants, it is against the constitution of the party and spirit of democracy”
When asked if Tinubu’s silence is about his intention to contest in 2019, he replied that Tinubu is free to contest but has not told his loyalists to start preparation.
“However, whenever Asiwaju gives his order, all of us, including those who think they can overshadow Asiwaju in the Southwest will fall into the line, “the former House of Representatives member told Nigerian NewsDirect.
Nigerian NewsDirect learnt that Amosun, who has been pencilled for a prominent role in the re-election bid of the President, is co-ordinating the next batch of endorsement train to the President.
A close aide of Governor Obaseki confirmed that the governor was also planning with other Progressives in the country to make sure that President Buhari gets the party’s ticket in 2019 and then win the presidential election.
“His Excellency, Governor Godwin Obaseki is a loyal party man and one of the die-hard supporters of the President. Obaseki is working with other Progressives in the country to make sure that growth and corruption-free society that Nigerians are enjoying during the leadership of Mr President extends beyond 2019”.
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