A former Minister of Aviation, Chief Femi Fani-Kayode, has said that Alhaji Atiku Abubakar of the Peoples Democratic Party would not be able to defeat Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello of the APC if both were fielded to contest the presidency next year.
Fani-Kayode was reacting to a list of APC presidential contenders released on Friday by Channels TV, which excluded Governor Bello.
Channels TV presenter, Seun Okinbaloye, had in the Friday night edition of “Politics Today”, listed seven APC presidential aspirants for 2023 elections. The names included Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, Rochas Okorocha, Rotimi Amaechi, Godswill Akpabio, Kayode Fayemi and Babatunde Fashola.
During the programme, Fani-Kayode, who was the guest, was asked who would be more eligible and fit to contest for the 2023 election, and he mentioned Governor Bello, who was not on the list, to be the best candidate for the contest.
Fani-Kayode said: “I am a great and firm believer of Yahaya Bello”, adding that the governor is fit, strong, young and vibrant to contest.
He said: “I believe he woud appeal to millions of young people in the country, especially the aspect of age, giving leadership to a young leader will give a sense of belonging to the youth.”
Asked if Bello could stand Atiku Abubakar of the PDP in the election considering Atiku’s portfolio and popularity, the former minister said only two people could stand a chance with Bello and they are Bala Mohammed of Bauchi State and Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu State but the duo cannot be given the ticket by the PDP.
Fani-Kayode argued that North-central is the only zone that is yet to produce either president or vice- president in the country’s history.
He added that since the inception of Nigeria, other zones have produced democratically elected presidents or vice-presidents but the North-central has been left out completely.
He stressed the need to carry every zone along to give everyone a sense of belonging which will further promote peace and unity among the people of Nigeria.
The former minister commended President Muhammadu Buhari for declaring bandits as terrorists, saying it was long overdue.
