While speculations about Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s interest in the 2023 presidential election have been rife for several months, the leak of a manifesto for the former Lagos State governor has cleared doubts as to whether the All Progressives Congress (APC) chieftain would be taking a shot at the country’s number one post.
Over the weekend, Naija News obtained a leaked manifesto, signalling that it is only a matter of time before Tinubu declares his intention for the presidential seat.
Tagged, “Seven Point Agenda: The Rebirth Manifesto,” the document detailed Tinubu’s plan for Nigeria if elected as the country’s leader.
The seven key areas the campaign master plan covered include education, technology, infrastructure, home grown business, leadership, and true federalism and democratic process.
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
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 should 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.
Amid the rumours and speculations, Bola Tinubu has never uttered a word about his interest in the position.
Instead, several groups, including the South West Agenda for Asiwaju (SWAGA), have taken it upon themselves to drum up support for a Tinubu candidacy.
Tinubu’s recent moves, which included a visit to Kano State earlier in the year, have also laid further credence to his presidential ambition.
Observers say it was a bridge-building visit aimed at strengthening ties with the north ahead of the next election.
A former Abia State governor, Orji Uzor Kalu, had recently visited Tinubu, further fueling speculations about his quest to become Buhari’s successor.
Despite the lure of presidential power, and his influence in Nigeria’s political landscape, especially his role in the emergence of President Muhammadu Buhari in 2015, many analysts believe the former Action Congress leader should be a kingmaker instead of the king.
