Even though a year still separates it, the 2019 presidential election is on the horizon and permutations have started trickling in from political analysts and observers.
Fola Ojo, in a piece published by the Punch, listed top politicians who are desirous or in some cases, with potentials and qualities to occupy the exalted position President Muhammadu Buahri occupies today, September 29.
READ ALSO: Beware of London used phones, police issue warning to Nigerians
Ojo, in his piece listed former president Jonathan as one of few politicians who could probably displace the incumbent from office.
1. Goodluck Jonathan
Though the former president has not come out publicly to announce his intention of taking a shot at the presidency once again, his supporters, however, believe that Goodluck Jonathan has an unfinished business in Aso Rock.
2. Rabiu Kwakwanso
Kwakwanso who is a sitting Senator from Kano has always wanted to be president. He contested in the APC primaries in October 2014 but came second to President Buhari.
3. Aminu Tambuwal
Aminu Tambuwal, the governor of Sokoto state and former speaker of the House of Representatives is allegedly believed to be interested in occupying the position Buhari now occupies.
4. Sule Lamido
The former governor of Jigawa state and one-time foreign affairs minister under the administration of Olusegun Obasanjo has always appeared prepared for the presidency. Lamido may end up clinching the PDP ticket in an easy ride if the APC’s Atiku Abubakar does, Fola Ojo predicts.
5. Atiku Abubakar
The former vice-president under Obasanjo has never hidden his desire to occupy the exalted position of Nigeria's presidency. His position at the moment is not strong as he awaits President Buhari's decision before he makes a concrete move.
6. Bola Ahmed Tinubu
The former Lagos state governor and strongman behind the birth of the APC is beloved by many who want him to take a shot at the presidency.
7. Governor Ayodele Fayose
The Ekiti state governor, despite opposition by leadership of the Peoples Democratic party (PDP) had already declared his intention to contest the 2019 presidential election. Fayose also promised to better President Buhari if elected.
8. Nyesom Wike
Nyesom Wike, Rivers state governor, is believed to be fast replacing Rotimi Amaechi as the lion of Niger Delta. He is a grassroots politician who understands the language of his people.
Though it seems the governor is only interested in the politics of his state and region, some believe the governor has potential to run for the presidency.
9. Governor Rocha Okorocha
Some people are of the opinion that if there is a chance of an Igbo president in Nigeria in 2019 or even in not too-distant a future, the road goes through Imo state governor, Rochas Okorocha.
Okorocha contested in the APC primaries in October 2014 and came third. So it is believed that Okorocha may chose to contest again in 2019?
Meanwhile, NAIJ.com had reported that Nigeria’s presidential and National Assembly elections will hold in 505 days from now as INEC revealed real date for exercise.
PAY ATTENTION: Read the news on Nigeria’s #1 new app
Nigeria’s 2019 presidential and National Assembly election will hold on Saturday, February 16, 2019, the chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Professor Yakubu Mahmood, announced.
Watch this video as Nigerians speak on the possibility of Governor Ayo Fayose becoming president in 2019:
Source: Naij.com
ROSY CREST
Friday, 29 September 2017