Osinbajo distances himself from 2023 presidential campaign posters declaring him a candidate

VICE president Professor Yemi Osinbajo has distanced himself from posters that have flooded Abuja declaring him a candidate in the 2023 presidential race making it clear that he has made no such decision or pronouncement.

With 2023 fast approaching, several candidates have already announced their intention to run for president, with the political jostling and horse trading beginning. Several commentators have suggested that Professor Osinbajo run and over the weekend, posters declaring his candidacy appeared all over Abuja.

Dismissing the posters, Professor Osinbajo's spokesman Laolu Akande, said his principal has not declared an interest in the 2023 presidential race. He pointed out that The Office of the Vice President wishes to reiterate a statement on the same subject, made earlier in May this year in which it was made crystal clear that Professor Osinbajo was focusing on his duties as the number two citizen.

Mr Akande said: "The Office of the Vice President is not in any way connected with the distribution and deployment of any 2023 political posters whether on the streets or in online videos, banners and the like on social media. All these are simply needless distractions from the urgent tasks of governance needed in our country at this time.

"Professor Osinbajo has not declared any interest whatsoever in the 2023 election but he is rather focused on working in his capacity as vice president in the current administration to address all the compelling issues in the country and concerns of Nigerians, including finding effective and lasting solutions to the security challenges and working to further boost the economy. Therefore, we ask that people desist from such publications while we all deal together with the challenges confronting us as Nigerians and resolve them for the benefit of our people and the enthronement of peace and prosperity in the land."

Within the last week, there has again been a flurry of activities, such as the release of campaign-style promotional videos, banners on social media, announcing Professor Osinbajo's candidacy. There has even been the deployment of political posters in some parts of the country, including the Federal Capital Territory and Kano, insinuating that Professor Osinbajo has joined the 2023 presidential race.