Vice President Yemi Osinbajo stated that news of his nomination as running mate to then-candidate Muhammadu Buhari surprised him in the run-up to the 2015 presidential election.
He stated that when he learned of his nomination, he was working on a case before the Supreme Court involving a federal lawmaker’s defection.
Mr. Osinbajo invited members of the State House Press Corps to break fast (Iftar) at his Aguda Residence at the President Villa in Abuja on Wednesday.
“I was working on the case at Peniel Apartments in Abuja on December 18, 2014, when at about 1 a.m. in the morning, I received a call from Rauf Aregbesola that they were coming to Lagos to pick me.
“I said I was in Abuja. He said ‘good because you have been nominated as the vice-presidential candidate’ and I said is that how you nominate people,” Mr Osinbajo said.
After his case that day, the vice president returned to his lodging, he said. He stated that he felt this way right after removing his wig “this is probably the last time I will be wearing it.”
He claimed that Mr Aregbesola, the current interior minister, and former Ogun State governor, Ibikunle Amosun, took him to Muhammadu Buhari, the presidential candidate, later in the day.
Mr. Osinbajo told the journalists that he was sharing his tale to show them how quickly one’s life can change.
He stated that he has always believed in and worked for a better Nigeria throughout his life, and that his decision to run for president in 2023 will allow him to make a difference. He claims that just a few people have his level of training and experience.
He stated he met with governors, delegates, and party leaders both before and after announcing his candidacy for president. He did say that the Iftar with the journalists is the first with a group that will not vote in the party primaries.
Mr Osinbajo drew laughter from his audience when he said: “I am probably meeting you for your financial contribution.”
“I don’t know why you think it’s a joke,” he said, drawing more laughter from the press corps member.
The vice president subsequently sought the support of the journalists.
Speaking earlier, the interim chairman of the State House Press Corps, Ismaila Chafe, said many members of the corps have been reporting from the Presidential Villa for over a decade.
“We have seen presidents and vice presidents come and go. But with profound humility, we can say that you have made a difference in the way you have related with the State House Press Corps,” Mr Chaffe said.
“We can recall that not long after you assumed office, you gathered us here in this same hall for a very engaging interaction. The memory of that meeting still lingers in us. And since then, you have maintained a close relationship with the corps.”
Mr Chaffe said the press corps ‘are very’ with the vision of the vice president, especially his ‘supportive roles to ensure that this administration leaves a lasting legacy.’
“As a corps, we will continue to play our role in the most dispassionate way,” he said.
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