Online Poll Finds Nigerians Prefer Amaechi As Buhari’s VP Candidate, Over Fashola, Fayemi, Tinubu

Seizing an overwhelming 40% of the total vote in an informal poll conducted Friday, Rivers State Governor Rotimi Amaechi was the public’s choice for running mate to All Progressives Congress (APC) presidential candidate,  Muhammadu Buhari.

The poll, conducted by SaharaReporters between Friday, December 12 to Saturday, December 13, garnered a total of 7,951 votes. Of these, 3162 respondents voted for Amaechi. Lagos State Governor Babatunde Fashola, another favorite ahead of the party’s decision, received 2138 votes representing 27% of the votes cast

Former Ekiti State Governor Kayode Fayemi, Edo State Governor Adams Oshiomole, and former Attorney General of Lagos State, Prof. Yemi Osibajo, received 855 votes (11%), 859 votes (10%), and 699 votes (9%) respectively.

Former Lagos State Governor and APC national leader Bola Tinubu came in at the bottom of the billing, receiving 238 votes, 3 % of the total vote.

The survey, conducted through the online service POLL, does not allow repeat voting.

Commenting on the canvass, many respondents said that they selected a candidate from the polls choices based on careful knowledge of the country’s makeup, a strategy many believe the party will follow.

“The politico-religious hegemony presently predating our people will demand wisdom in choosing a VP from the South West, should the party decide the South West should have it,” a respondent said,  writing further, “since Buhari is a Muslim, wisdom demands that at this time, a Christian Southwesterner should be appropriate.”

Despite the overwhelming support for the Amaechi, many disagreed with his proposed candidacy. “Nobody who knows Amaechi's history will vote him especially those living in Rivers State,” a participant wrote, citing failed infrastructure projects under the two-term Rivers State Governor.

“Amaechi is synonymous with arrogance, pride and tyranny,” another commented, criticizing Amaechi for his publicized disputes with current President Goodluck Jonathan.

Still others pushed for candidates not included in the choices given. Most notable of those pushed for was former Minster of Education, Oby Ezekwesili.

“Oby Ezekwesili for VP,” a respondent commented. “It's about time we had two formidable heads at the helm of affairs in Nigeria.” Support poured in from both men and women for “Madam Due Process,” as the former minister and a principal protagonist of the #BringBackOurGirls movement is fondly called.

Voters also showed support for Imo State Governor, Rochas Okorocha, who has gained popularity steadily since the APC presidential primary last Wednesday based on his oratorial skills which was on display during the party's national convention in Lagos.

“Okorocha will make a better VP to Buhari because he has a great charisma,” a participant wrote. “He can do the same thing that Tunde Idiagbon did during 84-85 (sic). Everyone knows that Buhari is not outspoken, he really needs someone like Rochas.”

While the party has yet to decide officially on a Vice Presidential candidate, the survey presented a unique opportunity for the public to discuss and analyze the viability of several different candidates for the position.