Kenyan opposition leader Raila Odinga has declared his candidature for the position of chairmanship of the African Union Commission.
In a press conference at his Karen Home, Raila said that if they pull together all the resources of the African continent, they will be able to make the continent stronger.
In addition, he has said that he has been consulting a lot about his desire to take the position of chairman of the African Union Commission and he is confident that he is ready to serve Africa because the continent needs better services.
His ambition has been supported by the former President of Nigeria, Olusegun Obasanjo, who has said that he has no doubt that Raila Odinga, whom he called a friend, is someone who should take over the leadership of the AU and explained that the East African community will support him, then other African regions will also support him.
Mr. Obasanjo has said that the people who have been leaders of the country as presidents or chiefs are the ones who have the experience and skills to lead the African Union and with a broad eye, it is the turn of the East African region to lead.
The current AU chairmanship is headed by Moussa Faki, A former Prime Minister Of Chad. His Tenure ends in February 2025 after serving for two terms of four years.
Any candidate for the AU top job must be fronted by member states. This means a Raila candidature must have the endorsement of President William Ruto’s administration.
Ruto’s fronting of Raila for the continental job would radically shift the country’s political landscape as it would almost amount to “a handshake”.
AU chairpersons are required to be neutral in political contests across the continent.
The AU Commission chair is a big post that elevates the holder to a near head of state.
The office holder is a key player in major international happenings, including elections, conflicts and development, not only in Africa but globally.
According to the procedure, a host country nominates a candidate and then mobilizes support from the region and the continent for its candidate.
Should the plans come to pass, then Raila’s candidature will have to be officially championed by his former ally turned critic Musalia Mudavadi.