Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, on Thursday, declared support for the 2023 presidential bid of the National Leader of All Progressives Congress, Bola Tinubu, when he inaugurated the SouthWest Agenda 2023 in Lagos.
Tinubu, who celebrated his 69th birthday in March 2021 and command an arguably large following of political loyalists, has been reported to nurse presidential ambition in 2023.
Taking to his Facebook page with photos of the event, Sanwo-Olu wrote, “I attended the formal launch of the SouthWest Agenda 2023 in Lagos today (Thursday) where I described Asiwaju Bola Tinubu as a rallying figure and a beacon of hope for progressive leadership in Nigeria.
“SWAGA’23 is a political movement that is mobilising support for Asiwaju Tinubu to contest the 2023 Presidential election and it is important to say that Asiwaju Tinubu’s story is one of vision, passion and action.
These three values stand him out among his contemporaries in national politics. He is a nationalist in thinking and a progressive in action.
“That SWAGA was launched today is a clear demonstration of Tinubu’s enduring political principles and strong vision. Those behind the movement are the people who believe in the three values that Asiwaju personifies and are ready to push them with passion for other Nigerians to see.”
Recently, Sanwo-Olu travelled to London to visit Tinubu, who was Lagos governor from 1999 to 2007.
Also, members of the House of Representatives from the north led by Deputy Speaker, Ahmed Wase, visited the APC chieftain last week and endorsed his candidacy for the 2023 presidency.
Though Tinubu has yet to declare his intention to contest any office in 2023, there have been reports and veiled indications that he might be interested in the exalted seat.
As the 2023 general elections draw nearer, there have been intense political posturing, permutations and fireworks, especially as the eight-year regime of the President, Major General Muhammadu Buhari (retd.), who is from Katsina State, winds down.
The 17 Southern Governors had also met twice in the year and demanded power shift to their region while the 19 Northern Governors also met last week, opposing such move and noting that the candidate with the highest votes will emerge as President in the next general elections.
Salihu Tanko Yakasai, a former Special Adviser on Media to Ganduje had listed Tinubu; Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo; as well as Fayemi as APC chieftains who have the ability to win the 2023 presidential election.
However, Tinubu’s health has been a subject of controversy of late.
At least over 30 politicians had visited Tinubu, in London, in the last three months. Notably amongst the politicians include Buhari; Kano State Governor, Umar Ganduje; Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun; Ekiti State Governor, Kayode Fayemi; and his Ondo State counterpart, Rotimi Akeredolu.
Others who had also visited Tinubu in London include House of Representatives Speaker, Femi Gbajabiamila; ex-Governor of Ogun State and current Senator representing Ogun Central, Ibikunle Amosun; former Governor of Borno State and current Senator representing Borno Central, Kashim Shettima.