Like Abraham Lincoln, the 16th president of United States of America, Winston Churchill of Britain and Nelson Mandela of South Africa, the emergence of Professor Yemi Osinbajo as the vice presidential candidate to the All Progressives Congress ( APC) has not only caused panic in the nation’s political quarters but has also triggered immediate return of other contenders to the drawing board on how to curtail the growing support base for APC.

The strength of Osinbajo from the South-West zone of the country, now the ‘new’ kid on the country’s political block, suddenly became manifest to many who felt he stood no chance against heavy weights like Governor Rotimi Amaechi of Rivers State, Governor Adams Oshiomhole of Edo State, former governor of Ekiti State, Dr. Kayode Fayemi , Governor Babatunde Fashola of Lagos State and even the national leader of APC Asiwaju Bola Tinubu who gave way for him to emerge as the best vice presidential material.

Though relatively new to the public eyes, he is not only seen to be politically stronger than other aspirants on the strength of the fact that he is a pastor in the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) in a country now polarised by religion, he is a son in-law of the late sage, Chief Obafemi Awolowo, highly revered beyond the South –West zone.

It is generally acknowledged that by picking Osinbajo, the chances of PDP in the South-West have been drastically narrowed because the party had wanted to take advantage of the political dynasty of the late Chief Obafemi Awolowo to make an inroad into the region.

The calculation was seen in the Presidency’s wooing of the family by making the grandson of the late sage, Mr. Segun Awolowo the Chief Executive Officer of the Nigeria Export Promotion Council (NEPC).

He is politically at home in the South- West, as he hails originally from Ogun State and had also served meritoriously in Lagos as commissioner where he had since become a Lagosian.

Amid his intimidating curriculum vitae backed with proven integrity and impeccable personality, Osinbajo’s emergence seems to have dismantled plans of the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) who had plotted to latch on religious factor to win the sympathy of Nigerians during the campaign for 2015 presidency .

As the pastor of Olive Tree House of Prayer for All Nations, Banana Island, a parish of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, he is seen as the first choice of the electorate who are members of the church that has outposts in 110 countries and 14,000 branches in Nigeria.

Given his background in the church that has an estimated membership population of over five million members in Nigeria alone, Osinbajo is a deft political calculation that will crush the religious card being played by Peoples Democratic Party.

His standing in the church is expected to give some measure of confidence to especially northern Christians and others who may have viewed Buhari in the eyes of his critics as a religious extremist.

Apart from being a Senior Advocate of Nigeria and Senior Partner in the Law firm of SimmonsCooper, Osinbajo is also known in the academic circles where he was formerly Head of Department of Public Law at the University of Lagos.

Meanwhile, many Nigerians have hailed his choice by the All Progressives Congress, saying it is a sophisticated political strategy tailored to douse the embers of religious extremism toga on the party’s presidential candidate.

Eminent Nigerians like the Lagos State governor Mr. Babatunde Fashola who had the opportunity of relating closely with Professor Yemi Osinbajo said he inspired them to success in life.

The governor said the legal icon will help deepen the rule of law, uphold human rights of Nigerians, fiscal federalism and constitutionalism in the country.

The governor said Osinbajo was the brain behind the transformation of the state judiciary, assuring that when given the opportunity to serve he will bring about transformation in various sphere of life in the country.

He said, “Professor Osinbajo has made tremendous contribution in the state judiciary, building the Lagos judiciary. He has started his own journey as well because the vision of building an efficient and in-corruptible judiciary started under his watch as the Attorney General of Lagos State. So I wish my brother and friend Professor Yemi Osinbajo the very best in the journey.”

As the nation clamour for change, he noted that the duo of General Buhari and the Professor of Law would bring about the change that Nigerians have been yearning for.

In his reaction, the Lagos State attorney general and commissioner for Justice Mr. Ade Ipaye said everyone in the judicial sector of the state would readily attest to the countless achievements of Osinbajo in the state while he served as the state attorney-general between 1999 and 2007.

He said “In fact, we believe that his key contributions to the success of that administration are clear testimony to the great potential of the next APC government, once elected to the office in February 2015.”

Ipaye said that he had received several enquiries as to the records of service of Professor Osinbajo in the state from many Nigerians, following his nomination as the APC presidential candidate’s running mate.

He said, “Professor Osinbajo is by far the most impactful contributor to improvements seen in the Nigerian justice sector since the end of military rule in 1999. During his tenure, the idea of bringing justice to the people became entrenched, particularly with the establishment of an Office of the Public Defender and a Citizens’ Mediation Centre.

“Both agencies have since benefitted millions of Nigerians directly or indirectly by way of free legal services, free representation in court and free mediation services.”

Ipaye added that the former commissioner for justice also ensured strict adherence to the rule of law while in the service of the state government,.

He said, “As an advocate, Professor Osinbajo participated actively in all important cases during his tenure, especially the constitutional cases in the Supreme Court, showing himself as an astute lawyer and a passionate defender of federalism, constitutionalism and the rule of law.”

According to the lawmaker representing Lagos East senatorial district, Senator Gbenga Ashafa his choice is good for the country, saying the combination of General Muhammadu Buhari and Professor Osinbajo would eradicate corruption which has eaten deep into the fabric of the nation.

Ashafa said Nigerians now have the opportunity to make change and allow men of unblemished records to lead them.

He added that, “The duo of Buhari and Professor Yemi Osinbajo is the real change that we are talking about. That is the hope that Nigerians, especially the youths have been crying for.

“I am telling you without any iota of doubt that the two of them will rescue Nigeria and Nigerians should be ready to embrace a brighter rewarding future and the only way to do this is to shine their eyes and ensure they vote against the tyranny of the PDP.”

Osinbajo in his acceptance speech has vowed to move the country away from the mess it has been plunged by highly recycled politicians.

even as he pledged to work with Buhari and the party if elected into office to restore the hope of Nigerians.

He words: “I am deeply honoured and grateful to have been nominated as the Vice-Presidential candidate of our party, APC and especially the Presidential candidate, General Muhammadu Buhari.

“I also thank the leaders and elders of our great party, APC for the trust reposed in me.

“The task of rebuilding this nation is one to which I am fully committed. There can be no other President, Leader and commander that can lead that common sense revolution Nigeria urgently needs than General Muhammadu Buhari. I will proudly serve this country with him.

“General Buhari’s uprightness and fierce commitment to good governance is well known. It will be a privilege to work with him. I come to this assignment with lots of hope and a resolve to be a part of this movement to bring Nigeria back to its lost glory. With the support of all Nigerians and the help of God, we shall make Nigeria work again.

“I will work with him and the party to restore hope and confidence in millions of our youth and provide comfort and security for millions of our country men and women.

As the abused, cheated and victimized looked onto the Buhari/Osinbajo ticket as panacea for Nigeria’s wobbling state, the electorates have a major role to play in 2015 general elections on who govern them.