2019: Okupe urges Saraki to run against Buhari

A chieftain of the Accord Party and former presidential spokesperson,
Doyin Okupe has urged Senate President, Bukola Saraki, to take
advantage of his increasing popularity and vie for the 2019
presidential election.

Okupe gave the advice while speaking on the crisis in the All
Progressives Congress (APC), which led to the formation of the
Reformed APC (R-APC) by some aggrieved members of the ruling party.

The former presidential aide, who fielded questions on Channels
Television programme, Sunrise Daily, said: "Apart from President
Muhammadu Buhari, the next most visible and most notable politician in
Nigeria today is Bukola Saraki and he would do himself a great favour
if he steps into the ring and run for President. He has the pedigree.

"Saraki has the required exposure and experience from being a Special
Assistant to the President, to being a two-term governor and now
Senate President. He has been through different stages of leadership
and this makes him stand out among many other aspirants who have
indicated interest to become President."

Answering a question on the possibility of Saraki clinching the APC
presidential ticket against Buhari, who has indicated interest to run
for second term, Okupe added: "APC would be doing themselves a favour
if they do not allow the President to run, and I don't see Saraki
contesting the primary in the APC, it is impossible. The hostility
against him in the APC is too much. That is why he needs to move to
another party where he can form alliance with other parties to
contest."