APC Chieftain Rejects Kwankwaso's Over-ambitious Demands for 2023 Presidency

Taofiq Raimi, an APC chieftain, has dismissed the purported demands of Kwankwaso for the 2023 presidential candidacy as over-ambitious and unacceptable. Raimi, during an interview on Arise TV, stated that Kwankwaso's requests, including control of 20% of APC's national structure and a guaranteed vice presidential slot, are incompatible with the party's size and internal power balance.

He argued that such demands reflect personal ambition rather than a willingness to work within a broad coalition. Raimi stressed the importance of political negotiations to serve national cohesion instead of engaging in elite bargaining.

He also highlighted that the current vice president, Kashim Shettima, will retain his position on the ticket, and Bola Tinubu is expected to contest the presidency in 2027 despite criticism. Raimi's leadership remains open to engaging with Kwankwaso on political negotiations for the ultimate benefit of the nation.