A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress, representing Osun West Senatorial District, in the National Assembly, Senator Adelere Oriolowo, has described as mere rumours, the alleged presidential ambition of the Vice President, Prof Yemi Osinbajo.
He said the only presidential aspirant known in the APC political family in the South-West geopolitical zone remained the former governor of Lagos, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu.
Oriolowo, who spoke with journalists in Abuja on Friday also debunked insinuations that Tinubu was too old or unhealthy to lead Nigeria as President in 2003.
Rather, the Senator argued that the national leader of the APC was not only healthy but has high mental alertness to lead Nigeria into a greater, well developed nation.
Asked if the alleged presidential ambition of Osinbajo, would not frustrate that of Tinubu, the Osun West Senator dismissed the Vice President’s bid as mere speculations and rumours.
Oriolowo said, “I don’t act on rumours. The alleged presidential ambition of Yemi Osinbajo remained a rumour to everyone of us in the South-West APC.
“He has not told anyone that he wanted to contest and there is nothing yet to suggest that he would contest. Let us leave it at a rumour stage.”
He said Tinubu would definitely contest the presidential election next year adding that the clamour for the Igbo presidency in certain quarters would not stop his bid.
He said, “What I know is that the presidency has been zoned to the South. By that, any part of the region could produce the candidate.
“My leader that is contesting. He is capable and Nigeria would have a breakthrough especially if he replicate all what he did in Lagos, in other parts of the country. What is happening now is about his capacity.
“As far as I know, he is healthy. I visited him in London during his medical trip for knee surgery even younger person could also have such challenge.
“There is no one on Earth that doesn’t have his own challenges in terms of health. However, if you are talking of age, that is no barrier at all.
“He has functional brain and healthy body to perform his functions effectively. His health has not deteriorated to the extent that he would not be able to carry out state functions effectively.”