Tinubu to drop Masari as running mate, may settle for El-Rufai or Zulum

There are indications that the presidential candidate of the All Progressives Congress, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, may drop his running mate, Kabiru Masari and settle for someone from Kaduna, Kano or Borno.

This is just as the APC candidate is said to have returned to Abuja to continue consultations on the contentious issue.

Tinubu had returned to Lagos on Sunday, June 19, 12 days after he defeated a former Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi; Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo; Senate President, Ahmad Lawan; and Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello, among others, to pick the APC presidential ticket.

The APC candidate is expected to name his final running mate on or before the July 15 deadline set by the Independent National Electoral Commission to replace Kabir Ibrahim Masari, whom he named as in ‘placeholder’ capacity.

As the deadline draws near, Tinubu, the APC and the Progressive Northern Governors’ Forum are said to be in a dilemma over the choice of an acceptable running mate as opposition continues to mount over a possible Muslim-Muslim ticket for the ruling party. They have however continued the search for a formidable candidate.

Meanwhile, sources said Tinubu has limited his search to Kaduna, Kano and Borno.

Insiders said the APC flag bearer is considering Nasir El-Rufai, Kaduna State Governor or Governor Babagana Zulum of Borno State as his deputy.

However, the Asiwaju of Lagos is said to be in dilemma of the backlash of Muslim-Muslim ticket.
However, a close source said the APC candidate may pick a northern Muslim as his running mate to please nothern elites.