Between Umahi And Yahaya Bello Who Gets The APC 2024 Presidential Ticket?

By Osigwe Omo-Ikirodah
A Tale Of Two Contest: Between Umahi And Yahaya Bello Who Gets The APC Presidential Ticket?
The year 2020 was an eventful year that could best be described as a year of tribulation and trials, it was a global meltdown that affected all facet of human endeavour including huge loss of lives.
We only hope and pray the year 2021 would be a year of great jubilation and triumph.
As we step into the new year it is anticipated that political activities towards the next dispensation would be at its peak.
Already political gladiators have started nationwide consultations on their next line of actions.
With Buhari completely above the fray, the game would be a unique and fascinating one.
First of all, let me make the fact sink in that the next occupant of Aso Rock must be a politician that has been playing politics actively over the years.
So it amuses me when people scream that the 2023 presidency would shock the ruling class, I wonder if the contestants are going to come from another planet.
Going forward we shall be x-raying the likely underdogs as at today towards the march to 2023.
If you recall when President Olusegun Obasanjo was preparing to handover, the likes of Umaru Musa Yar’Adua and Goodluck Jonathan were not even in the picture not to talk of being underdogs for the 2007 Presidential elections.
“The race is not to the swift or the battle to the strong…but time and chance happen to them all.”
Two strong characters have today indicated an interest in the presidency under the APC, what are their chances and likely motives behind this bold move?
Gunning for the presidency is a tough decision to make especially if one is a public figure, not only does the paparazzi FALL on you, your profile would be torn apart, your business, family and so many other interests would be attacked and subject to ridicule.
You would be in the news for the wrong reasons largely due to the relentless efforts of political foes.
Surprisingly they are both second term serving governors and from the ruling APC.
Hmm, Oga just port from PDP to the APC wailing hard that PDP has no single interest for the South-East.
He claims further that the APC is the only viable party the South-East can use in achieving their long time dream of running the affairs of the nation.
Therein lies his strength, if peradventure the glamour for a South-East presidency thickens then he comes top.
Aside from that Umahi might stand no chance towards the 2023 Presidency but would be acknowledged for his positive role played in carrying the South-East along.
He might be rewarded with the position of Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF).
He would suffer disgrace and scorn from his South-East brothers because of his romance with the APC, but be well assured if the APC clinches the presidency he would be well compensated.
A strong close ally to President Buhari, considered as Buhari’s adopted son in some quarters.
Yahaya Bello like Umahi might be a beneficiary of two things, his close relationship with Buhari and his youthful disposition.
Already his people are glamouring for him to contest with the Kogi State House of Assembly endorsing the call.
Yahaya Bello might be a beneficiary if things play out the other way round (which we might not be seeing now). Aside from that Yahaya Bello coming from the north is a big disadvantage.
But Yahaya Bello is a smart politician and a young one for that matter, he might just be eyeing the National Chairmanship of APC post-2023 and play smart.
A retirement plan is not even in his scheme of consideration, Yahaya Bello would play a prominent role in the national affairs of the party.
A tale of two underdogs battling hard for the soul of APC who gets the nod peradventure time and chance occurs???.
Osigwe Omo-Ikirodah writes in from Abuja.