A founding member of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and former Osun State governor, Bisi Akande, has disclosed his role in selecting Yemi Osinbajo as vice‑president. Akande says he nominated Osinbajo after consulting with President Bola Tinubu in 2015—not 2011, as he initially claimed—when discussions were underway about replacing Tunde Bakare as Muhammadu Buhari’s running mate.
Akande’s account challenges the widely held belief that Tinubu personally chose Osinbajo. He explained that, during conversations with Tinubu about a Bakare replacement, Osinbajo’s name emerged as a viable candidate. Akande advised Tinubu to consider an alternative, and Osinbajo was ultimately recommended for the vice‑presidential slot.
In an interview on Edmund Obilo’s “State Affairs” podcast, Akande recounted the events leading to Osinbajo’s nomination. He said he asked Tinubu in 2015 who he was considering to replace Bakare, and Tinubu mentioned Osinbajo. Akande then decided to put forward Osinbajo’s name, a decision he later documented in his book.
The revelation sheds new light on the 2015 presidential election and the formation of the APC, topics that have long been subject to speculation and debate. As a founding APC member, Akande’s testimony offers valuable insight into the behind‑the‑scenes discussions that shaped the party’s leadership. His comments may prompt further discussion about the party’s history and the influence of key figures in determining its direction, underscoring the significance of Osinbajo’s vice‑presidential nomination for Nigeria’s political landscape.
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