30th October, 2021
Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, on Friday, 29 October, paid a visit to Asiwaju Bola Tinubu in his Abuja home. This has doused the fire of speculations that the two political heavy weights were at daggers drawn over the 2023 presidential race.
Media managers of the two men were quite aware of the damage the negative optics the rumour could cause for the All Progressives Congress (APC) as a ruling party, the profile of the two, and the distraction it could bring into the polity. Thus, the visit and the photo opps.
Fire of the rumour was ignited when Tinubu travelled to the UK for a knee surgery. Among the first to visit him was President Muhammadu Buhari. Like a domino effect, other politicians followed in droves. Then the question arose in the traditional and social media why Osinbajo had not paid a visit. The speculation went deeper when Tinubu returned to Nigeria earlier than scheduled, fuelling the belief that he snubed Osinbajo who planned to call on him too.
The God father Godson rift paradigm became more handy for poitical analysts who believed that Tinubu who had always been a kingmaker also wanted to become king, and that Osinbajo who has seen the inner workings of government was adopting some subterranean tactics to also become President in 2023.
Now with this visit, members of the hosue of APC can heave a sigh of relief. This shows in all the comments about the visit.
A member of the Tinubu Support Group, and the Acting Director, Media and Publicity of the group, Mr. Tosin Adeyanju, said Osinbajo’s visit was an indication that Tinubu’s political family is united. “Today’s visit by the Vice President shows there is no problem and people should not listen to rumours.”
Rotimi Adebayo, another commentator reacted that here in Yorubalañd, this is who we are: “Undiluted omoluabi (people of integrity). And that is what makes us the superb brand that we are!” To Ogundele Olayemi Babatope, “One love keeps us together.”
Yeye Bolanle Olatunde, journalist and public relations consultant, it “is a sad day for haters.” Also, Onayinka Olusegun said “Mentor and mentee for life. V.P. paying homage to his leader and choice for 2023.” Jude Otagbo, reacted: “I love these legends.” Akingbade Moruf wrote that this visit would give them headache today. Wailing wailers over to you.”
Abdulsalam Bashir Afolabi also added: “Magnificent! Someone won’t sleep tonight.” Adebayo Abayomi Adetule asked: “Where are those who have been saying they are fighting?” Kayode Adetunji wrote with enthusiasm: “This is so nice. We can now relax and have peace of mind.”
To O.K. Falodun, the coast is becoming clearer. “This is just the beginning that there are no cracks on our wall, and we will work together as a big united family to attain our lofty goals in Yorubaland.”
According to Onochie Osheokwu: “I love Asiwaju for one thing, he is a true democrat. He believes in people. He has fought for democracy. He has defended democracy… I pray God will give him good health because believe me, he has given his best to this nation. Party aside, I love and respect him.”
See more photos below:
