Vice President Yemi Osinbajo on Monday formally declared his intention to run for President in 2023.
“I am today, with utmost humility, formally declaring my intention to run for the office of the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria on the platform of our great party, the All Progressives Congress,” he said in a video that went viral on social media.
His declaration ends months of speculation over his interest in the 2023 presidential race and widens the pool of candidates for the position.
It also puts him in direct confrontation with his former boss in Lagos State, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who signalled his intention earlier in the year.
In his declaration speech, Osinbajo said he was committed to continuing President Muhammadu Buhari’s vision for the country.
“If by the grace of God and the will of the people, I am given the opportunity, then I believe that first, we must complete what we have started, radically transforming our security and intelligence architecture,” he said, “completing the reforms of our justice system; focusing on adequate remuneration and welfare of judicial personnel and ensuring justice for all and the observants of the rule of law; rapidly advancing our infrastructure development, especially power, roads, railways, and broadband connectivity, providing an excellent environment for businesses to thrive, taking the agriculture revolution to the next level, especially mechanisation and developing the farm-to-table value chain; making sure that the government, its agencies, and regulators, serve the business community, creating a tech economy that will provide jobs for millions of young Nigerians; enhancing our social investment programme, to a full-scale social welfare program.”
‘Move with much speed’
The Vice President said he would also complete President Buhari’s promise of lifting 100 million Nigerians out of poverty by 2030.
He vowed to reform the educational system for relevance in the 21st century and ensure universal health coverage for all while strengthening the capacity of states and local governments to deliver on their respective mandates.
“Above all, front and centre of our efforts will be the provision of jobs and opportunities for our young people,” he said.
“I now must solemnly and respectfully seek the support of fellow Nigerians everywhere in this land and the Diaspora, young and old, male and female, in the great and exciting journey that we have ahead of us, seek your own support.
We will, working together, establish by the grace of God, the Nigeria of our dreams in a few short years.
We will build on the foundation laid by our predecessors; we will need to move with much speed, intentionality, and perseverance towards the vision of a prosperous, stable, and secure nation.
“I am convinced beyond doubt we have the creativity, the courage, the talent, and the resources to be the foremost black nation on earth.
“Let us build a Nigeria where the man of Nnewi sees the man in Gusau as his brother, where the woman in Warri sees the woman in Jalingo as her sister, where the love of our nation burns alike in the hearts of boys and girls, from Gboko to Yenagoa, where everywhere in this land is home for everyone, where our diversities, our tribes, our faiths unite us rather than divide us.
Let our tribe become one tribe, the Nigerian tribe, where all are treated fairly, justly, and with respect, where all her given equal access to the abundant opportunities that God has bestowed on this nation.”
Legal luminary
Osinbajo, 65, is a Senior Advocate of Nigeria who previously served as Attorney-General of Lagos State from 1999 to 2007.
A graduate of the University of Lagos and the London School of Economics, he lectured at his Alma Mater in Lagos while practising law until 1999.
After serving the Tinubu administration in Lagos, he retired from government in 2007 and returned to law and lecturing along with pastoral duties at the Redeemed Christian Church of God.
In 2015, he was tapped as running mate to Muhammadu Buhari for that year’s presidential election.
In May 2017, Osinbajo emerged as acting President after Buhari embarked on a medical trip abroad.
He served as acting President for about four months, during which he fired the Department of State Service boss, Lawal Daura for an illegal invasion of the National Assembly by armed and masked operatives.
Read the Vice President’s complete declaration speech:
STATEHOUSE PRESS RELEASE
WHY I AM RUNNING FOR PRESIDENT, BY OSINBAJO
*My experiences, insights, opportunities must be used for Nigeria and Nigerians, VP adds
In the past seven years, I have served as Vice President under a true Nigerian patriot, a servant of the nation in war and peace, and a man of integrity, President Muhammadu Buhari.
We have, together, worked through some of the most difficult times in the history of our Nation, but we have remained focused on securing the country, providing infrastructure and growing our economy.
As stipulated by the Nigerian Constitution, our tenure will end next year.
In this period of seven years, I have served the government in several capacities, and have, at the direction of Mr. President, represented our country in sensitive high level international engagements. I have been to practically all local governments in Nigeria. I have been in markets, factories, schools, and farms. I have been in agricultural, mining and oil producing communities; in the Delta, in Kebbi, Enugu, Borno; Rivers, Plateau and Ondo; & in all other States of the federation, listening to the diverse experiences and yearnings of our people.
I have visited our gallant troops in the North East and our brothers and sisters in the IDP camps. I have felt the pain and anguish of victims in violent conflicts, terrorist attacks, flooding, fire and other disasters.
I have been in the homes of many ordinary Nigerians in various parts of the country. I have sat with our techprenuers in Lagos, Edo, and Kaduna, with our Nollywood and Kannywood actors; with our musicians, from Lagos, Onitsha, and Kano. And I have spoken to small and large businesses.
I stood where they stood and sat where they sat. I know their hopes, aspirations and fears; and I believe that in those hopes and aspirations are the seeds for the great Nigeria that we all desire.
I believe that the very reason why the Almighty God gave me these experiences, these insights, and these opportunities, is that they must be put to the use of our country and it’s great peoples.
Which is why I am today, with utmost humility, formally declaring my intention to run for the Office of the President, Federal Republic of Nigeria, on the platform of our great party, the All Progressives Congress.
If by the grace of God and the will of the people, I am given the opportunity, then I believe that first, we must complete what we have started;
*radically transforming our security and intelligence architecture,
*completing the reform of our justice system focusing on adequate remuneration and welfare of judicial personnel,
*ensuring justice for all and the observance of rule of law,
*rapidly advancing our infrastructure development, especially power, roads, railways and broadband connectivity,
*providing an excellent environment for businesses to thrive,
*taking the agriculture revolution to the next level especially mechanization and developing the farm to table value chain
*making sure that the government, its agencies and regulators serve the business community,
*creating a tech economy that will provide jobs for millions;
*enhancing our Social Investment Programme to a full scale social welfare scheme,
*completing the promise of lifting 100 million Nigerians out of poverty within this decade,
*completing the task of ensuring that all Nigerians, male and female, attend school,
*reforming our educational system for relevance to the challenges of this century,
*completing the task of universal health coverage for all,
and
*strengthening the capacity of States and Local Governments to deliver on their respective mandates.
Above all, front and centre of our efforts will be the provision of jobs and opportunities for our young people.
I now most solemnly and respectfully seek the support of fellow Nigerians everywhere in this land, and the diaspora, young and old, male and female, in the great and exciting journey that we have ahead of us.
We will, working together, establish by the grace of God, the Nigeria of our dreams in a few short years. We will build on the foundation laid by our predecessors. We will need to move, with much speed, intentionality, and perseverance, towards the vision of a prosperous, stable, and secure nation.
I am convinced beyond doubt that we have the creativity, the courage, the talent, and the resources to be the foremost black nation on earth. Let us now birth the expectations of greatness conceived generations before us.
Let us build a Nigeria where the man from Nnewi sees the man in Gusau as his brother, where the woman in Warri sees the woman in Jalingo as her sister, where the love of our nation burns alike in the hearts of boys and girls from Gboko to Yenogoa. Where everywhere, in this land, is home for everyone, where our diversities, tribes and faiths unite, rather than divide us.
Let our tribes become one tribe; the Nigerian tribe, where all are treated fairly, justly and with respect. Where all are given equal access to the abundant opportunities that God has bestowed on this nation. It’s time.
God bless and keep our Republic and its great people.
Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, SAN
Vice President, Federal Republic of Nigeria
Monday April 11, 2022
Former Labour Party (LP) presidential candidate Peter Obi has reiterated his commitment to serving only a single four-year term if elected President in 2027.
Obi emphasised that effective leadership should be evaluated by its impact and accountability, rather than the length of time spent in office.
In a statement shared on his X account, Obi referenced historical leaders such as Abraham Lincoln, John F. Kennedy, and Nelson Mandela, who left significant legacies despite serving shorter terms.
He expressed that purposeful leadership, not longevity, is what truly defines a statesman. “Forty-eight months is sufficient for any leader who is focused and ready to make a meaningful difference. I do not intend to stay a day longer,” Obi stated.
Obi also noted that history demonstrates that the longer many African leaders remain in power, the more likely they are to become corrupted by it.
Currently, Obi plays a pivotal role in the newly formed opposition coalition, which has adopted the African Democratic Congress (ADC) as its platform to challenge President Bola Tinubu and the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in the 2027 general elections. While he has yet to declare whether he will run under the ADC or remain with the Labour Party, he has not formally resigned from the LP.
If elected, Obi outlined his administration’s priorities, which will include restoring integrity to governance, combating insecurity, improving education and healthcare, supporting small businesses, and transforming Nigeria into a production-driven economy focused on agriculture, technology, and manufacturing.
He reaffirmed that his pledge to serve only one term is “sacrosanct.”
Nafiu Bala, the Gombe State Governorship Candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) during the 2023 general elections, has alleged that a leadership crisis within the party has been engineered by individuals he refers to as “political hooligans.”
In a press briefing held in Abuja on Thursday, Bala declared himself the Interim National Chairman of the party. He stated, “As the duly elected National Deputy Chairman of our great party, I now assume my constitutional duty and responsibility as the Interim National Chairman.”
Bala criticised former party leaders for neglecting their constitutional responsibilities and handing over the party’s structures to “powerful outsiders” who have no affiliation with the ADC. He urged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to recognise this leadership change and uphold the sanctity of the ADC constitution.
He emphasised, “I, Honourable Nafiu Bala, a bona fide member and duly elected National Deputy Chairman of our great party, the African Democratic Congress, wish to draw the attention of all party members and Nigerians to the ongoing acts of political hooliganism being perpetrated by certain individuals who were previously entrusted with the party’s leadership.”
Bala expressed his frustrations over the “shameful and lawless” actions of these leaders, who, he claims, have plunged the party into unnecessary crisis and uncertainty. He condemned the idea of relinquishing the party’s future to powerful outsiders with no ties to the party, calling it unacceptable.
He noted, “Recently, the nation witnessed a poorly rehearsed political melodrama, in which elected roles were exchanged with certain unfamiliar groups to enable a complete takeover of the party’s structures and political assets. This alarming capitulation is unprecedented in our democratic journey toward constitutional order.”
Bala emphasised that he and his supporters are resolutely committed to challenging what they see as a violation of the party’s rules and ensuring that the constitutional guidelines are respected. He warned that if the individuals involved do not heed their calls for compliance, they would take legal action to address these grievances.
He stated, “It pains us to bring these scandalous events to your attention, but we have been left with no choice in defending our constitutional rights, given the current situation in the party. In the history of democracy worldwide, no party leader or any group of leaders has the authority to arbitrarily transfer an elected mandate or political power to non-members who did not contest for political office.”
Bala reaffirmed his commitment to restoring constitutional order and internal democracy within the ADC. He stressed that the party’s constitution has clear guidelines for succession and filling vacant positions. “The constitution of our great party provides sufficient provisions outlining the succession guidelines and the process for filling vacancies.”
He concluded, “In light of the circumstances and in furtherance of my constitutional mandate as the duly elected National Deputy Chairman, I now assume my role as the Interim National Chairman of our great party. Therefore, I am calling on the esteemed Independent National Electoral Commission to urgently recognise this development.”
Minister of National Planning, Senator Atiku Bagudu, asserted that the North has no regrets about supporting President Bola Tinubu. He emphasized that the region is well-represented and actively engaged in national governance.
Speaking at a technical session during the Government-Citizen Engagement forum organized by the Sir Ahmadu Bello Memorial Foundation at Arewa House in Kaduna, Bagudu dismissed claims of marginalization. He described Tinubu’s administration as inclusive, competent, and focused on national unity.
“Those of us privileged to serve in President Tinubu’s administration are vigilant in defending Northern interests. There is no exclusion and absolutely no reason for regret,” he stated.
Bagudu praised Tinubu as a true nationalist, noting that appointments and policies under his leadership are based on merit and national interest rather than ethnicity or regional ties. He urged Northern leaders and citizens to reject divisive narratives, emphasizing that the North is fully engaged at all levels of governance.
Addressing the nation’s economic challenges, Bagudu explained that the Tinubu administration inherited a crisis characterized by unsustainable fuel subsidies and dependency on imports. He mentioned that bold reforms under the Renewed Hope Agenda, including the removal of fuel subsidies, foreign exchange liberalization, and revenue restructuring, are stabilizing the economy.
“For example, Adamawa State’s federal allocation increased from N9.76 billion in May 2023 to N22.73 billion by June 2025. That’s a clear result of these reforms,” he noted.
He also highlighted significant structural changes, such as returning the Budget Office to the Ministry of National Planning and creating new ministries, such as Livestock Development, Arts and Culture, and the Blue Economy, all aimed at promoting inclusive growth and economic diversification.
Bagudu stated that the government is now transitioning from economic stabilization to inclusive growth, with a strong focus on poverty reduction and long-term development. He encouraged Northern stakeholders to strategically engage with democratic institutions to influence budget priorities and secure regional development goals.
In addition, Minister of State for Agriculture and Food Security, Senator Aliyu Sabi Abdullahi, spoke at the event about the food security crisis inherited by the Tinubu administration. He highlighted targeted, data-driven solutions to address the issue.
Abdullahi revealed that through the Agro-Pocket initiative, over 133,000 hectares of wheat were cultivated across 15 Northern states, exceeding the original target of 130,000 hectares. He also announced the rollout of a farmer data audit and registry to eliminate fictitious beneficiaries and ensure that genuine farmers receive support.
He added that Tinubu’s agricultural reforms include mechanization, value chain development, irrigation and dam projects, and institutional restructuring, all aimed at achieving food security and improving rural livelihoods.
