2023 presidential election: Why APC may consider Amaechi, El-Rufai’s joint ticket

Campaign posters of Transport Minister, Rotimi Amaechi, and Kaduna State Governor, have been seen in some parts of Abuja, Nigeria’s capital.

The posters present Amaechi, a former Governor of Rivers State as a presidential candidate, and Nasir El-Rufai, the present governor of Kaduna State as vice-presidential candidate.

There is no logo of any political party on the posters, however, the posters carry the name of an organisation – ‘National Consolidation Movement’.

A politician reveals that the possibility of the All Progressives Congress (APC) chieftains running together is high.

The politician who is close to the ruling party as well as the main opposition party, Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), gave reasons to buttress his position.

Citing insider information, he listed number one as Amaechi and El-Rufai’s unfettered access to President Muhammadu Buhari.

Others are network and contacts, incumbency as officeholders, influence within the APC, and clamour for power to return to the South.

Analyzing why the South-South may get the nod, the source told citizens not to forget that the South-West has for thirteen years occupied the two topmost positions in Nigeria since 1999.

He feared that the South-East could face some objection within the APC due to skepticism about widespread acceptability, agitation for secession, electorate support, and war chest.

Though the party is in charge of Imo State, with stalwarts making an attempt to gain more supporters in the region, it remains unclear if the nation’s leader is favourably disposed to an Igbo presidency in 2023.

In 2015, retired General polled 198,248 votes (of total 15,424,921) in the entire district, and 403,958 votes (of total 15,191,847) in 2019.

Reminded how the South-West, led by ex-Governor of Lagos State and APC national leader, Bola Tinubu, delivered the vast majority of votes for Buhari in both general elections, the source stressed that ticket zoning to the region is in doubt.

“President Buhari may not be opposed to Amaechi and El-Rufai’s ambition because as I speak, these two are part of the top five figures running the APC.

“(Kayode) Fayemi was considered but a Yoruba man governed Nigeria for eight years after we returned to democracy. Another is the incumbent VP – eight years in view. This factor knocks the Ekiti Governor out.

“I believe that any power shift will strongly consider the South-South and South-East. Options are being weighed. However, in terms of funds, voting figures and trend, local support, and the likes, South-South is ahead of South-East.

“Buhari and El-Rufai are close. The Governor was one of those who insisted the President contest again in 2015 after three attempts. Many would remember the efforts of Amaechi after he joined APC from the PDP in late 2013.

“He is also close to Buhari, he was Director-General of the President’s campaign twice and was successful. Things may change later but I believe Buhari will support their aspiration”, the politician stated.