Barely four weeks after the return of the National Leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, to Nigeria from a medical trip in the United Kingdom, his Lagos and Abuja residences have turned to a Mecca of sort, thereby fueling speculations on his 2023 aspiration.
Prior to the return of the National Leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Asiwaju Bola Tinubu to Nigeria on October 8 after about three months of medical trip to the United Kingdom, where he underwent knee surgery, different versions of tales had saturated the media on his state of health.
Although largely false and conspiracy in nature, the misinformation about the former governor of Lagos State’s ill-health generated different responses in the public sphere, depending on the divide people belong to.
But his unexpected return to the country hale and hearty, not only put paid to the distortions and spins, it also brought him into the picture for the 2023 presidential race and reinforced his influence in the politics of the country, especially with the array of personalities that visited while he was on the medical trip.
During his stay in London, he was visited by a number of politicians, including President Muhammadu Buhari; Speaker, House of Representatives, Femi Gbajabiamila; Governors Abdullahi Ganduje (Kano), Dapo Abiodun (Ogun), Babajide Sanwo-Olu (Lagos), Rotimi Akeredolu (Ondo), and Kayode Fayemi (Ekiti).
Others who visited Tinubu included a former governor of Ogun State and incumbent senator representing Ogun Central, Ibikunle Amosun; former governor of Borno State and senator representing Borno Central, Kashim Shettima, and the member representing Gubio, Kaga and Magumeri Federal Constituency of Borno State, Usman Zanna.
Also on the list are the deputy governor of Lagos State, Obafemi Hamzat; Speaker, Lagos State House of Assembly, Mudashiru Obasa; Chief of Staff to Lagos State Governor, Tayo Ayinde; Deputy Chief of Staff to Lagos State Governor, Gboyega Soyannwo; Special Adviser to Lagos State Governor on Education, Tokunbo Wahab and a former National Legal Adviser of the APC, Muiz Banire, among others.
A statement from the Tinubu Media Office on his return, titled, “Asiwaju is back,” said the ex-governor underwent surgery on his right knee as well as rigorous post-surgery physiotherapy, adding that he was now fully healed.
The statement read in part: “Contrary to unfounded rumour, he underwent no other surgical procedures and contemplates none in the future.
His recuperation has been without complication and ahead of the schedule by the attending surgeon. “He has returned fully healed from the knee surgery and fully committed to doing his modest part of advancing the cause of progressive democratic good governance throughout our beloved nation.
“Asiwaju, first and foremost, would like to thank President Muhammadu Buhari for taking the time to visit him in London to express his wishes for a speedy recovery from the knee operation.
“He is also not forgetting others who would have loved to visit him but couldn’t make it and his numerous friends, associates, supporters and well-wishers who have been with him in prayers and supplications to Allah.”
Despite being a private citizen as he is not presently holding any public office, Tinubu who is one of Nigeria’s greatest political figures of the Fourth Republic, he is one of the most talkedabout Nigerians alive.
Even before tones of voice about his yet-to-be-announced 2023 presidential aspiration started renting the air, his acute strategic sense in politics and governance is one of the many standouts for him.
Whilst he has not formally announced his political interest, his clout within and outside the ruling party, was fitting enough for anyone to assume that he is next in line to succeed President Buhari in 2023 if the APC looks towards the southern part of the country for its flag bearer.
As a golden fish which has no hiding place, in the first two weeks of his return to Nigeria, Tinubu’s Bourdillion, Ikoyi, Lagos residence was a beehive of activities as associates and party members turned the palatial building to their second home.
While there is adequate feasting and merriment among hundreds of party members to celebrate his healthy return from UK, the former governor was busy attending to guests, who are on welcome visits to him.
However, the dominant discussion around the building is his yet-to-be declared presidential interest and its possibility at every stage. Few weeks after his return to Lagos and the frenzied atmosphere of visits of his associates, friends and nonallies alike, some political analysts averred that Tinubu may have to temporarily relocate his base to the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, for political reasons.
Credence was however given to their postulation as Tinubu has been receiving, visiting and meeting with different politicians and various groups in Abuja over the last few days. “Asiwaju may still be in Abuja for days and maybe weeks to see some political allies, particularly, those who kept the flag flying while he was away in the United Kingdom.
The next few weeks will be politically active for him and that shows he is fit. He has not commenced campaigns but the political exchange had to move to the federal capital.
“Whatever is being done now is still all at the consultation level and it is to keep the conversation going. The Leader can’t just sit in Lagos and think that is all about Nigeria.
This is a national project and it must be embraced as such. It also erodes talks about him (Tinubu) not fit or healthy,” a source privy to the development told New Telegraph.
A quick survey of the timeline of guests, who visited Tinubu and those he visited in both Lagos and Abuja indicates that what Governor Sanwo- Olu said that the APC leader had been rejuvenated with renewed vigour “for his next political move” may not a fluke after all.
October 10
Just as he was the first to visit Tinubu in the UK, Lagos State governor, Bababjide Sanwo-Olu and members of his cabinet took the first bite to give the former governor a welcome back home party at the Lagos House, Marina, after a successful medical trip.
Dignitaries present at the event include the deputy governor of the state, Obafemi Hamzat; Secretary to the State Government, Folasade Jaji; Chief of Staff to the governor, Tayo Ayinde; Speaker of the House of Representatives, Femi Gbajabiamila and Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly Mudashiru Obasa.
Others are the wife of the governor Mrs. Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu; wife of the deputy governor Oluremi Hamzat; former Lagos deputy governors, Mrs. Idiat Adebule and Abiodun Ogunleye; Senator Olamilekan Solomon; members of the Governor’s Advisory Council (GAC); members of the House of Representatives; members of the Lagos State House of Assembly; party chieftains; clergymen and market leaders.
Tinubu used the occasion to affirm the supremacy of God on every human being, saying only God has the authority to take his life when it is time. He, however, stated that he is “hale and hearty,” after a successful medical trip to the United Kingdom.
The APC National Leader added: “I am a little emotional, but I am happy to be back home. God is the giver of life and he alone can take it. I’m grateful to Him for giving me the privilege to be alive. I am hale and hearty and I can’t but praise and thank Him enough.
“He has spared us till today and has given us the privileged of the the day. I thank him. I cannot praise him better than any of and all of your voices, but I am standing before you hale, hearty and big.
“Thank you very much. It is just the day of joy for me, it is a day and we are here thanking God the Almighty… may God bless all of you, may he grant you your heart desires. I am grateful and I thank God Almighty.”
On his part, Governor Sanwo-Olu said Tinubu’s return was more than cheery news for his supporters across the country, noting that the APC leader had been rejuvenated with renewed vigour “for his next political move.” He added that there were countless reasons to be grateful to God “for bringing Asiwaju back home, fully rejuvenated.”
”On behalf of all political office holders, party leaders and faithful, we welcome our leader back and we give praises to God on his behalf that the intention of evil-minded people who spread malicious rumour against our leader did not materialise.
”This event shows Asiwaju is healthy and possesses more energy to embark on his next move in politics,” the governor said.
October 11
The former Senate President and a chieftain of the APC, Ken Nnamani paid a courtesy visit to Tinubu in Lagos.
He used the opportunity to commend the former governor of Lagos State for his support in stopping the third term bid of former President Olusegun Obasanjo. His words: “Your many contributions to the growth of democracy in Nigeria stand strong. Your role in National Democratic Coalition (NADECO) and your efforts along with those of others helped in terminating military rule.
You helped many times in stabilizing the country. You assisted me a lot during my time as Senate President and particularly in stopping the third term project of former President Obasanjo.”
October 12
Former Governor of Ekiti State, Ayo Fayose visited the Lagos residence of Tinubu to felicitate. He thanked God for Tinubu’s return to the country after his medical trip abroad. He said: “I was at Bourdillon today to wish Asiwaju med Bola Tinubu a quick recovery.
Health issues know no party. The majority doesn’t celebrate people when they are alive but likes to sign condolence registers.
That is not the best way of life. Politics should not be a disadvantage, but an advantage and we should have a love for each other. Again, I wish Asiwaju, like every Nigerian leader, sound and robust health.”
October 12
A former governor Ogun State, Otunba Gbenga Daniel, stormed the house of the National Leader of APC to celebrate with him and their meeting was held behind closed doors.
October 19
Leader of Pan-Yoruba socio-political group, Afenifere, Chief Ayo Adebanjo, in company of other leaders of the group visited Tinubu in his Lagos home to express good wishes to him after his return from the United Kingdom.
Other leaders, who visited the former governor of Lagos State, include Chief Supo Shonibare, Oba Olaitan Oladipo, and retired Assistant Inspector General of Police, Tunji Alapini.
October 24
A high-powered delegation from the national headquarters of the ruling APC paid a visit to the national leader of the party in Lagos.
The delegation was led by the Chairman of APC National Caretaker Committee and Yobe State governor, Mai Mala Buni. Other members of the delegation include Alhaji Bashir Machina, Alhaji Abdullahi Yusuf, Alhaji Muhammadu Gadaka, Mallam Yakubu Ajaka, Hon. Tijjani Zanna Zakariya, Hon. Suleiman Damagum and Hon. Musa Mustapha.
October 26
South-West Governors Forum visited Asiwaju Tinubu after meeting at the Lagos House in the Marina area of the state to felicitate with him.
The delegation led by the chairman of the forum and Ondo State governor, Rotimi Akeredolu, include Lagos State governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu; Osun State governor, Gboyega Oyetola; Ogun State governor, Dapo Abiodun and the deputy governor of Oyo State, Rauf Olaniyan. Akeredolu said they came to welcome Tinubu back home and wish him well.
He said the people of South-West believe in Tinubu’s leadership, and that he has shown that he is doing his best to lead the region because he is not only a leader of the South-West but a leader of the entire nation and the South-West lays first claim to him.
“We deemed it fit to visit our leader who has returned home successfully and who is hale and hearty and to the glory of God almighty that is why we have visited him,” Akeredolu said.
October 29
Vice President Yemi Osinbajo visited Asiwaju Tinubu at his residence in Abuja. Though details of their meeting were not released to the media, photos released by the Office of the Vice President showed the two men embracing and later discussing while seated. Recent media reports had indicated a frosty relationship between Tinubu and Osinbajo over the 2023 presidential race.
Both are said to be aspiring to succeed President Buhari, whose second term ends on May 29, 2023.
Though, they have not formally declared their aspirations, groups canvassing for them are emerging across the country on a daily basis. However, the visit seems to have put an ended to the rumoured feud between them over their perceived 2023 presidential ambitions as a source said both leaders had a good meeting.
October 29
After the Vice President’s visit, the Speaker of House of Representatives, Femi Gbajabiamila; Chairman of the Nigeria Diaspora Commission, Abike Dabiri-Erewa and a former Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, also paid a courtesy visit to the APC National leader at his Abuja residence.
October 29
Tinubu on the night of October 29, met with some APC senators, other lawmakers and APC leaders in Asokoro area of Abuja, few hours after spending time with VP Osinbajo.
Sharing pictures of the parley with Tinubu on his social media page, the senator representing Lagos West and one of the APC national leader’s protégés, Senator Adeola Solomon, said the meeting is for Tinubu Support Group 2023 (TSG2023). Solomon, popularly called Yayi wrote that the meeting took place in Asokoro area of Abuja, stressing that it is reward time.
Other lawmakers, who were in the pictures, are Senators Opeyemi Bamidele (Ekiti Central), Tokunbo Abiru (Lagos East), Speaker of the Kano State House of Assembly, Hon. Aminu Suleiman, among others.
He wrote: “TSG2023: Met with my godfather and National Leader of APC in company of Senator Opeyemi Bamidele and other members of TSG from Northern Nigeria at Asokoro, Abuja, FCT.
“We will get there…..Reward Time is NOW……if you know, you know. Se o ti ye yin (Do you understand)….”
October 31
The national leader of the ruling party met with President Buhari at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.
Tinubu arrived at the Presidential Villa at about 11.am and the meeting lasted for about an hour.
Tinubu later revealed that he went to the Presidential Villa to thank the President for his support and finding out time to visit him in London after his surgery.
Noting that the President’s gesture was a mark of exceptional leadership, he said: “Only to thank the President, first of all, for his visit to my residence in London after the surgery and wishing me well, lifting my spirit and indeed what an exceptional leader will do to collaborate.
So, that’s what I came for and to welcome him back from the trip from Saudi Arabia. No politics, just courtesy call to thank him in a big way, that’s all.”
November 1
As Tinubu’s Abuja residence was gradually becoming another Mecca, the Chief of staff to President Buhari, Prof Ibrahim Gambari, joined the visitors. Prof Gambari visited Tinubu’s Asokoro residence a day after the former governor of Lagos State held a closed-door meeting with the President.
November 1
The national leader of the APC paid a visit to a former governor of Sokoto State and senator representing Sokoto North Senatorial District, Aliyu Wamakko at his Asokoro, Abuja residence. Wamakko, while speaking after the visit, expressed his appreciation to Tinubu for his kind gesture.
The lawmaker described the APC national leader as a man of integrity for promoting peace and harmony among various political parties across Nigeria. He also promised to support Tinubu’s presidential ambition, noting that the former governor of Lagos State has the quality to rule Nigeria and make it a better nation.
November 2
The Minister of Works and Housing and former governor of Lagos State, Babatunde Fashola joined the roll call of Tinubu’s visitors. The visit has also reportedly quashed the belief of a political rivalry between the two ex-governors of Lagos State.
November 3
With the increasing number of people trooping to Tinubu’s house, the Director- General of the Conference of APC Support Groups and member of the party’s National Strategic Lobby Committee, Hon. Chukwuebuka Obidike, joined the roll call. Obidike paid a private visit to Tinubu’s Abuja residence to welcome him back to the country. Speaking after a closed do meeting with Tinubu, Obikide said: “Asiwaju is a father to me and to all other youths in the APC and he has continued to play a pivotal role in the youth constituency.
“So, as his son, and upon his return to Nigeria, I said I will come and welcome my father today and equally brief him of certain things we have been able to achieve while he was out of the country.
I am happy to see he is hale and hearty, and it’s my prayer the Good Lord continues to bless and keep him in good head and protection.”
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