A novelty likely to rave up the Nigerian political scene has been introduced into the build up to parties’ presidential primary elections and the 2023 scramble for the presidency.
First Lady, Mrs Aisha Muhammadu Buhari has extended invitation to all presidential aspirants to Ramadan Iftar on Saturday, April 23. But bets are on whether some aspirants like former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, Governor Nyesom Wike of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP); and Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso of the NNPP will attend.
At the last count, there were over 20 aspirants. They include the following:
▪︎ Adamu Garba
▪︎ Peter Obi
▪︎Kingsley Moghalu
• Atiku Abubakar
• Bukola Saraki
• Gov. David Umahi
• Gov. Nyesom Wike
• Gov. Bala Mohammed
• Sen. Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso
• Gov. Aminu Tambuwal
• Goodluck Jonathan (Not confirmed)
• Anyim Pius Anyim
• Mao Ohuabunwa
• Bola Tinubu
• Prof Yemi Osinbajo
• Gov. Kayode Fayemi
• Gov. Yahaya Bello
• Dele Momodu
• Salihu Othman Isah
• Ken Nnamani
• Chris Ngige
• Rotimi Amaechi
The invitation card sighted by The CONCLAVE reads: “Her Excellency, Dr Mrs Aisha Muhammadu Buhari, Federal Republic of Nigeria…Ramadan with Presidential Aspirants of Political Parties. Date: Saturday 23rd April 2022. Venue State House Conference Centre, Abuja. Time 6.pm prompt.”
The invitation to attend is however without a carte blanche: it is not just enough that anybody is referred to as a presidential aspirant, they must present the invitation card sent to them before they will be admitted into the venue of the Ramadan Iftar.
Besides, no one will be allowed to enter the venue of the event with phones.
If Vice – president Yemi Osinbajo is compelled to attend the dinner, will he do so without his phone(s)?
As of the time of this report, it remained unclear what the First Lady wanted to achieve with the initiative.
Regardless, it is both remarkable and salutary for multi-party democracy and building of political harmony and rapprochement.
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) would have its convention on May 28 and 29, while the All Progressives Congress (APC) has fixed its for May 30.
▪︎ Additional report by The Conclave
