Vice President Yemi Osibanjo says he has the capacity to lead Nigeria after President Muhammadu Buhari in 2023.
Osinbajo stated this at the Oba of Benin palace when he visited Edo ahead of the All Progressives Congress (APC) presidential primary election.
According to him, “President Buhari has exposed him enough to critical decisions and programmes about Nigeria which he has been equipped with the capacity to lead the country to greatness”.
He said, “I am here today on a political visit but for obvious reasons, I ensured that I must start from the palace. I am here to consult with party members who are delegates in our forthcoming delegates’ convention”.
“On April 11th, I formally declared to vie for the presidency of this country. I have been exposed to many things in government. I commend the president who has been generous to ensure that I participate in every policy decision- making of the government.
“I have the exposure at the highest level in government and the capacity to govern the country. I started teaching at the age of 24 and I have served in several capacities and I assure you that I will do the very best I can for the country.” he said.
Responding, Oba of Benin, Oba Ewuare II said the vice president is eminently qualified to lead the the nation.
He said he admires the vice president’s credentials, which he has reflected in his professional career as a professor and pastor over the years.
The monarch who lamented the political class in the country always abandoning the electorate after elections, said Osibanjo has a lot to do to change the situation and make Nigeria a better place to live in.
“Like the businessman will say customers are kings, in election, the electorate are supposed to be kings but that is not what we have in Nigeria.”
“We have leaders who get to office and enrich themselves and forget the electorate whereas without the electorate, nobody can occupy any political office, especially elected office. Some of these politicians use all kinds of tactics to get the votes of the electorate and at the end of the day, abandon them.”
He appealed to the politicians to make this country great as Nigeria is blessed with both human and natural resources but still in a bad state.
“We want to be able to stay in Nigeria and enjoy the good things of life and not going to Dubai or the US. Now we are even running to Ghana, we should change all these and make Nigeria a destination point” he said.
He also commended President Muhammadu Buhari for his role in ensuring that stolen artefacts were returned to their original owners.
Osinbajo later had a closed door meeting with APC leadership and delegates.
