APC governors at liberty to pick Tinubu’s running mate, says campaign spokesman

Bola Tinubu campaign organisation says the Progressive Governors Forum (PGF), a body of governors elected on the All Progressives Congress’ (APC) platform, is at liberty to pick a running mate for the party’s presidential candidate.

Tinubu beat Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo, Senate President Ahmad Lawan and Rotimi Amaechi, former minister of transportation, to pick the APC presidential ticket on Wednesday.

Before the convention, the governors agreed that power should go to the south.

Speaking with The Punch, Bayo Onanuga, spokesman of the campaign organisation, said Tinubu’s running mate can come from any geo-political zone or religion.

“The vice-president can come from any region and religion. But the PGF is at liberty to pick. Up till now, we are all aware that Atiku has not chosen a VP,” Onanuga said.

“Yet, he was elected before him. But in our own case, it is a party affair.

“The party leaders will look at the chances and decide how they will balance a Muslim from the south, maybe with somebody that comes from north-east, north-central or from north-west. That is how it is done. I cannot circumvent the party.

“The Governor Atiku Bagudu-led PGF has the task to pick a competent deputy for him. Already, he has a cordial relationship with virtually all of them. You will also have to understand that he has just picked the presidential ticket.

“I am also sure that this issue of picking the right candidate for VP will be in the minds of the party leadership and the APC governors too.

“At this moment, we just want to pause and take a rest from the stress of the just-concluded campaign.”