A founding member of the All Progressives Congress, Bisi Akande, has revealed his role in the selection of Yemi Osinbajo as Vice President. According to Akande, he nominated Osinbajo for the position after consulting with President Bola Tinubu in 2015, not 2011 as he initially stated, regarding discussions about replacing Tunde Bakare as the running mate to former President Muhammadu Buhari.
Akande’s disclosure contrasts with the widely held belief that Tinubu personally chose Osinbajo as Buhari’s running mate. Providing context to his claim, Akande stated that he had discussions with Tinubu about replacing Bakare, and Osinbajo’s name came up as a potential candidate. Akande recalled that he advised Tinubu to consider an alternative to Bakare, and Osinbajo was eventually recommended for the Vice Presidential position.
In an interview on Edmund Obilo’s podcast, State Affairs, Akande explained the events leading up to Osinbajo’s nomination. He stated that he asked Tinubu about the person he was considering to replace Bakare in 2015, and Tinubu mentioned Osinbajo. Akande then decided to recommend Osinbajo for the position, which he had previously written about in his book.
The revelation sheds new light on the events surrounding the 2015 presidential election and the formation of the APC. The party’s leadership and the selection process for key positions have been subject to speculation and debate. Akande’s account provides insight into the behind-the-scenes discussions that took place during this period.
As a founding member of the APC and former Governor of Osun State, Akande’s comments carry significant weight. His revelation may spark further discussion about the party’s history and the roles of key figures in shaping its leadership. The nomination of Osinbajo as Vice President was a crucial decision that had a profound impact on the country’s political landscape. With this new information, readers can gain a deeper understanding of the events that led to Osinbajo’s emergence as Vice President.
