by James Sambo

As the search for the running mate of the presidential candidate of the All Progressives Congress party, Gen. Muhammadu Buhari continues, we bring you a quick analysis of the proposed running mates – three incumbent governors and a former one.

The proposed running mates who have made it to the final list as at the time of this report include, Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babatunde Fashola (SAN); his Edo State counterpart, Mr. Adams Oshiomhole; and Governor Rotimi Amaechi of Rivers State, as well as former Ekiti State Governor, Dr. Kayode Fayemi.

Why Oshiomhole and Amaechi made the list:

Punch reports that Oshiomhole and Amaechi made the list because some leaders of the APC feel that South-South should produce the vice-president in order to cut down the votes of President Goodluck Jonathan, who is also from the geo-political zone.

Why Fayemi, Prof. Yemi Osibajo (SAN) and Fashola made the list:

Reports say many of the party members are pushing for the South-West because of the massive support the zone, gave to Buhari at the presidential primary.

They believe this zone which has suffered so much marginalisation by the Jonathan-led Federal Government, should be rewarded for the sacrifices made towards building an alternative platform.

Also, it was found that many of the voters of Buhari were from the zone.

A top ranking member of the party, who spoke PUNCH revealed that Buhari received block votes from South-West delegates during the party’s presidential primary.

“Buhari got almost 100 per cent of votes from the South-West; that is even more than what came from the North-West where he comes from.

“You must agree that the four aspirants we have on the list showed uncommon sportsmanship and they have different strengths. It is going to be a tough decision for us to make on Monday.

With the Edo State governor, we can get South-South votes and the labour movement. With Amaechi, we can also get South-South votes. Fashola is immensely popular but he is a Muslim and that is where Fayemi, a Christian comes in.”

“Osibajo is not only a strong member of the RCCG, he is a pastor there. He is also a right hand man of the General Overseer of the church, Pastor Enoch Adeboye, who is well respected across the country and in the Christian community.

“So, those who are favourably disposed to him argued at the meetings we had in Lagos on Friday that his pairing with the former head of state would be beneficial to the party.” he said.

While Fashola seems to be the toast of many for the position, his religious background is working against him, Buari needs a running mate from a christian background.

“Yes, he is seen as the most qualified for the position in the country, but we don’t want to play into the hands of our enemies who may now use the religion aspect to campaign against us. The country is in an unusual situation”

Also, Fayemi’s loss of the governorship election in Ekiti is also a minus for him.

“Some say his inability to win his reelection bid is not good for him, even though we all agree that he is a good material. Besides, he is the only Christian among the governors from his zone,” the source added.