2023: Gov Abiodun throws weight behind Osinbajo

Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun, has thrown his weight behind the presidential aspiration of Vice President Yemi Osinbajo.

This was disclosed in a statement by the governor’s chief press secretary, Kunle Somorin, said Mr Abiodun and the delegates from Ogun State would support Mr Osinbajo to enable him “continue with some of the laudable projects of the President Muhammadu Buhari-led administration.”

The vice president is from Ogun State.

Mr Abiodun’s declaration for the vice president has dealt an apparent blow to Bola Tinubu, another APC presidential aspirant, who has been banking on the governor’s support in the southwest region.

Mr Osinbajo arrived Ogun State on Tuesday in continuation of his nationwide consultation with key personalities and party delegates ahead of next month’s presidential primaries.

During a meeting with Mr Abiodun at the Presidential Lodge, Ibara, Abeokuta, the governor said the vice president is “eminently qualified” to lead the country.

“The vice president’s presence here is homecoming,” the governor said.

“We are pleased with his decision to run for the office of the president. He is competent and committed to lead the country in a higher capacity.

“Your steadfastness, integrity and character are all well known. You are serving this country and the president meritoriously for the last seven years as the vice president.

“We have no doubt that you will do well as the president and we will support you.”

The governor, who extolled the VP’s academic exploits, recalled how he stood behind his gubernatorial election and described him as a man who is interested in fairness, justice, equity and the rule of law.

While speaking, Mr Osinbajo said he was not in the state to campaign, but to inform his people of his intention to run for president.

The vice president said he had consulted widely across all sections of the society, including with President Muhammadu Buhari, before throwing his hat into the ring.

Recounting his contributions to the present federal government, Mr Osinbajo said he was actively involved in the judiciary reforms and its repositioning to work optimally, and ensure that judges are adequately remunerated

He said his working with President Buhari has exposed him to governance at the highest level and placed him in a position to tackle serious issues concerning economy, and security, among others.