By Ayodimeji Falade
The “Emilokan” movement which means, “I’m next” is the campaign theme of the Presidential candidate of All Progressive Congress
(APC), Ashiwaju Ahmed Bola Tinubu.
Running under the biggest political party in Africa, Tinubu seems to have the advantage of clinching the presidency.
But there are issues that may pose a hindrance to getting into Aso rock.
1. Drug indictment in US
Bola Tinubu has had a life so enclosed that little is known about the APC presidential candidate unlike other politicians in Nigeria.
Since early 2021, many have speculated about his past criminal life. The issues have sprung up again.
In 1993, Tinubu was said to have been involved in drug dealings, he subsequently forfeited $460,000 in assets to the US government.
Although, he rebutted these allegations yet so much still point to the facts of this indictment.
It’s left to be seen if this issue will have a negative impact on his candidature in 2023.
2. Tinubu’s running mate, a Boko Haram apologist?
This is another major issue for the campaign of the APC presidential candidate.
His running mate, Kashim Shettima Mustapha was the governor of Borno State from 2011 until 2019.
During his tenure as governor, Boko Haram insurgents maintained a strong hold in the state, killing thousands and displacing millions.
However, he began to be seen as a Boko Haram apologist when one of the top general of the terrorist group, Kabiru Sokoto who escaped from prison was re-arrested in an apartment belonging to the former governor in 2012.
The opposition claims Shettima with such black history can’t be trusted with the affairs and safety of the country.
3. 2020 Lekki toll gate Saga
The 2020 Lekki shootings have repercussions which are likely to haunt Tinubu.
Two years ago the Nigerian Army stormed the Lekki toll gate and shot at the EndSars protesters.
The company owned by the son of the presidential candidate,
Seyi Tinubu had disabled the CCTV camera on the site.
This helped the government assert that there wasn’t any victims as claimed.
It led to a major blowback as many said the former governor was involved in calling the shots against protesting youth.
4. University Certificate
There is the allegation that the university certificate of the APC candidate submitted to INEC is fake.
Many have continuously claimed he has no histories and this has become a tool for his opposition.
5. Muslim/Muslim ticket
This definitely didn’t go well with the Christian population, as most Christian worshipers were disappointed with his pick.
Bola Ahmed Tinubu was the governor of Lagos state between 1999 and 2007 and also a served as senator in Lagos West in 1992-1993, he is currently running for president under the APC.
