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Ashley Lime BBC World Service
BBC News, Nairobi
Kenya's opposition leader Raila Odinga has expressed interest in the powerful position of the African Union Commission (AUC) chairperson. Nigeria's President Bola Tinubu is meeting state governors to discuss the crippling cost of living crisis.
Local media reports indicate that Mr Odinga is lobbying other African leaders to evaluate his candidacy before he formally applies for the role. One of Nigeria's most influential traditional rulers, the Sultan of Sokoto, said on Wednesday the country was at a tipping point, because of the increasing struggle many Nigerians faced in buying basic foods.
"I am inclined to accept the challenge and I am ready and I offer myself to be of service. I have asked my friend (Former Nigerian president Olusegun Obasanjo) to continue to be a good ambassador and talk to other people," he was quoted as saying. He called on President Tinubu to address the economic crisis sparked by his decision to cut fuel subsidies.
Mr Odinga served as the AU High Representative for Infrastructure Development in Africa between 2018 and February 2023, a tenure that ended due to controversy. Nigeria, Africa's biggest oil producer, had for years underwritten the cost of petrol, but following his election last year, Mr Tinubu said the policy was unsustainable.
His candidature must be backed by President William Ruto's administration and this could effectively shift the political landscape in the country as Raila would not be permitted to join the 2027 presidential race. Higher transport costs have placed additional pressure on Nigerians and in recent weeks there have been protests over soaring food prices and the failure of wages to keep pace.
For one to clinch the position, member states have to throw their weight behind that candidate. Unions have threatened strike action in the coming weeks.
According to the continental bloc, the chairperson of the AUC is the chief executive officer, the union's legal representative and accounting officer. Read more on this topic:
Nigeria cost of living: People turn to 'throw-away' rice for food
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