Boss Mustapha, a former secretary to the government of the Federation, has disclosed that former president Muhammadu Buhari once considered selecting Senator Adeleke Olurunnimbe Mamora as his vice presidential candidate.
Mustapha said that Mamora was highly valued by Buhari during his time in the federal executive council while speaking at a dinner in Abuja that was hosted by the Corporate Accountability and Public Participation Africa (CAPPA) group headed by Mr. Dot Akinbode Oluwafemi.
However, Mustapha reportedly did not make it clear whether Buhari’s consideration of Mamora was prior to his second term or during the 2015 election preparations.
There were rumors that Prof. Yemi Osinbajo was the vice president candidate that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the All Progressives Congress (APC) leader at the time, had suggested.
Mustapha cited Buhari’s appointments of Mamora, including as Minister of Science and Technology and previously as Minister of State for Health, as evidence of his confidence in Mamora.
This trust is further demonstrated by Mamora’s participation in the APC campaign councils for the 2015 and 2019 elections.
Mamora was praised by Mustapha for being a sincere and normal person.
He added, “He is simple and an ordinary man. He treats you with every iota of respect. When he spoke at the Federal Executive Council (FEC), we all listened carefully because his analysis of the issues at the state was in-depth. On each subject matter, he has a contribution to make.
“He is an all-rounder. (Mamora) have served Nigeria well, you are a gift to the nation. We will draw from the reservoir of your knowledge and ability. Don’t see you going into retirement. We believe you would still be called upon to serve again.”
CAPPA’s Executive Director, Akinbode, awarded Mamora for his steadfast dedication to public health, particularly for his significant role in the enactment of the National Tobacco Control Act (NTCA).
Akinbode also emphasized that the award was given to Mamora in part because of her work to control transfats and sugar-sweetened beverages.
He exhorted other Nigerian leaders to emulate Mamora’s example of bringing about change.
