With the election of General Muhammadu Buhari as the flag-bearer of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Lagos on Thursday, it is now time for him to chose his running mate.
Already five names have been top mention in regard to this position, namely: Governors Rotimi Amechi, Rochas Okorocha, Babatunde Fashola, Adams Oshiomhle, and Former Gov Fayemi.
Of all, Rotimi Ameachi appears to be most-palpably hungry for the post. But some party insiders believe that his controversial nature might not serve the party well vote wise, especially as he comes from President Goodluck Jonathan’s primary political base.
It was learnt that the best choice would have been Fashola, but his Muslim background might work against him. Besides, his attempt to square up with His mentor and Former Governor of Lagos State, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, during the state’s governorship primary of APC may make him unacceptable to Tinubu, who may play a major role on who should emerge as VIce President candidate for the party.
Though Buhari had said he would not mind flying a Muslim-Muslim ticket this time around, since his former runs with Christians as running mates did not help much, the religious tension in the country might make it too dangerous to toy with such an arrangement.
For Oshiomhole, it is the same thing. He also has Muslim background, but of less serious bent.
Okorocha is a bright prospect. But the retired general is said to be no longer favourably disposed with running with somebody from the South East.
He had previously ran with Late Dr Chuba Okadigbo and Edwin Umezuoke.
Fayemi might be a distant possibility.
But what Buhari eventually comes up with will depend on the disposition of Former Governor of Lagos State Bola Tinubu, who is said to be interested in the post himself.
Even though he might be the last Buhari would wish to have as a running mate, if hex insists, it will be foolhardy for the retired general to stop him.
The prospect of Buhari winning 2015 election will depend to a great extent how is able to perform in the South West, with the help of Tinubu.
Pundits has not ruled out a dark horse emerging. It is believed that if Tinubu does not run he would want to nominate somebody, a close confidant, to that post.
Meanwhile, TheRainbow learnt the party’s leadership had begun to brainstorm over who picks that position shortly after Buhari,s nomination on Thursday.
