Tambuwal Joins Presidential Race, Drops Guber Ambition For A Better Deal

The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Aminu Tambuwal, who recently joined the All Progressives Congress, has jettisoned his governorship bid and picked up the party’s presidential nomination and expression of interest forms.

While the likes of former military Head of State, Major-General Muhammadu Buhari (rtd), former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar, Kano State Governor, Rabiu Kwankwaso, and the Publisher of Leadership Newspapers, Sam Nda-Isaiah have continued to battle over a consensus candidate, Tambuwal’s emergence adds to the intrigues in the party.

But with Tambuwal throwing his hat into the ring, by picking his form on Monday, party sources say the embattled Speaker has been favoured by former Lagos State Governor and a National Leader of the party, Senator Bola Tinubu.

Although Buhari is still the frontrunner in the race despite Tambuwal’s entry, his major undoing however remains his alleged religious extremism, even though this is a misconception that has gained currency over time according to THISDAY.

But for the Tambuwal candidacy to fly, it would have to be sold and accepted by a few of the camps within the APC, some of which are insisting that a governor must be on the ticket, either as the presidential candidate or as running mate.

But already, there are strong indications that if Tambuwal secures the push, it could get the backing of Tinubu and even Buhari, both of whom may not mind the change in the larger interest of the party.

THISDAY gathered that Tambuwal met with Buhari last Friday to compare notes before picking the form on Monday.

Tambuwal, who is billed to submit his form today or before the end of the week, is also said to have met with other presidential candidates, meetings which afforded him the opportunity to intimate them on his intention and the need to work together as one family in the nation’s interest.

Sources believe it was as a result of this emerging scenario that the party could not fix a specific date for its congresses where delegates will emerge.