President Muhammadu Buhari has said that revealing the identity of his preferred candidate for the 2023 presidential election may put the latter’s life at risk of elimination.

Mr Buhari said this during an exclusive interview aired by Channels TV on Wednesday.

“I wouldn‘t (mention the name of my favourite successor) because he may be eliminated if I do. I better keep that a secret,” Mr Buhari said when asked if he has a favourite among those eyeing the presidency in 2023.

As the general elections draw nearer, there have been rumours that a chieftain of the ruling All Progressives Congress, Bola Tinubu, Ekiti Governor Kayode Fayemi, Transport minister Rotimi Amaechi and Senator Ibikunle Amosun, among others are vying for the position.

Although, all those rumoured to have shown interest in contesting are yet to make public declaration.

Meanwhile, Peoples Gazette on Tuesday, exclusively reported that Vice President Oluyemi Osinbajo informed President Muhammadu Buhari of his intention to run for president in 2023 and sought the blessing of his principal who did not make immediate commitments.

Mr Osinbajo’s move came when he met with Mr Buhari on New Year’s Day with the mindset that his ambition will see a gradual but consistent upswing if moored to honesty and uprightness from the beginning, according to three administration officials familiar with the development.