Tinubu (middle) throws a fist salute to supporters at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport on Sunday
Presidential hopeful and All Progressives Congress National Leader, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, on Sunday returned to Nigeria about 10 days after he traveled to the United Kingdom.
It was gathered that the former Lagos State governor landed at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Ikeja, Lagos around 8pm where he was received by some leaders of his 2023 campaign train.
His spokesman, Tunde Rahman, confirmed the development in a telephone chat on Sunday night saying: “He (Tinubu) arrived at the Lagos airport just now.”
The 69-year-old politician had traveled overseas last week to hold some meetings and further consultations in line with his 2023 presidential ambition.
There were speculations that he had traveled again to London on health grounds but his spokesman debunked it, saying his principal was “vibrant”.
On January 10, 2022, Tinubu had visited President Muhammadu Buhari and announced to State House correspondents that he had informed the President of his intention to contest the presidential election in 2023.
Before his most recent UK trip, Tinubu had traveled to some parts of the country including Oyo, Niger, and Zamfara states to widen consultations for his political ambition.
With his return, the APC leader is expected to continue consultations for his presidential bid which he described as a “lifelong dream”.
Tinubu had stayed in the United Kingdom for over three months in 2021 when he underwent surgery and therapy for knee injury.
He, however, returned to the country in October of the same year and traveled to some parts of the country to meet political juggernauts and stakeholders ahead of next election.
The health condition of the APC leader has constantly become a subject of controversy but many of his staunch supporters have argued that Tinubu is fit to become Nigeria’s President, adding that he is not older than the current President of the United States, Joe Biden, 79; and his predecessor, Donald Trump, 75.
Former member of the House of Representatives, and Director-General of the Bola Tinubu Support Group, Abdulmumin Jibrin, recently said 14 governors and 26 APC state chairmen are in support of Tinubu’s presidential ambition.
Other presidential hopefuls so far in the APC include Governor of Ebonyi State, Dave Umahi; ex-Governor of Imo State, Rochas Okorocha; former Governor of Abia State and Majority Whip of the Senate, Senator Orji Kalu; among others.
Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo, who served as Attorney General in Lagos from 1999 to 2007 while Tinubu was governor, is also aspiring to succeed his boss through the 2023 election, though the professor of law has not officially declared his intention.
Aside from the APC, chieftains of the Peoples Democratic Party who have shown interest in getting the party’s 2023 presidential ticket include former Vice President Atiku Abubakar; former Senate President, Bukola Saraki; Sokoto State Governor, Aminu Tambuwal; Bauchi State Governor, Bala Mohammed; and ex-governor of Kano State, Rabiu Kwankwaso. While some of them had yet to officially declare their presidential bid, there are strong indications they are eyeing the exalted seat in Aso Villa.
Other PDP stalwarts including former Senate President and Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Pius Anyim; former Ekiti State Governor, Ayodele Fayose; ex-governor of Anambra State, Peter Obi; media personality, Dele Momodu, amongst others have also expressed interest in running for president ahead of party primaries which are expected to hold later this year.
The Punch
