Yesterday, officials from the Southwest discussed the upcoming presidential election and its potential effects on the future of the nation.
They gave their support to Asiwjau Bola Tinubu, the All Progressives Congress’ (APC) presidential front-runner, claiming that his leadership will usher in a new era of hope, socioeconomic advancement, and political advancement.
Afenifere leader Pa Reuben Fasoranti sponsored the endorsement event in Akure, the capital of Ondo State, and he wished Tinubu luck in the election.
Leading figures from the Southwest, including Gen. Alani Akinrinade, Gen. Olu Bajowa, Dr. Kunle Olajide, the secretary of the Yoruba Council of Elders (YCE), Chief Bisi Akande, Chief Olusegun Osoba, and Archbishop Ayo Ladigbolu, welcomed the APC candidate after he and some party loyalists stormed Fasoranti’s home.
Leaders from the six Southwest states of Oyo, Ondo, Ogun, Osun, Ekiti, and Lagos, as well as Kwara and Kogi, attended the meeting.
The Afenifere leader and other elders listened as Tinubu laid out his vision for a bigger and wealthier Nigeria.
According to a statement by Afenifere National Organising Secretary Abagun Kole Omololu, the leaders endorsed Tinubu with unity.
He said: “Having taken cognisance of his commendable antecedents as Lagos State governor and his demonstrated ability in building physical and human capital, the Yoruba leaders at today’s meeting are in no doubt that Asiwaju Ahmed Bola Tinubu as President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria offers the best opportunity to produce a government that will usher in a new era of hope, peace, security, harmony, gainful employment for the multitude, economic development, social and political stability.
“We were also assured us of his commitment to the promotion of true federalism that will give states more control over their affairs. Afenifere wishes him success in the pursuit of his vision.
“The meeting urged other presidential candidates to utilise similar opportunities to articulate their vision.”
Also at the meeting were Chief Olu Falae, Ekiti State Governor Biodun Oyebanji, Ondo State Deputy Governor Lucky Ayedatiwa, and his Oyo counterpart, Bayo Lawal; Minister of State for Transport, Ademola Adegoroye, former Ogun State Deputy Governor Segun Adesegun, former Afenifere Secretary Bashorun Seinde Arogbofa, and Senator Cornelius Adebayo.
The event was also witnessed by Southwest APC leader, Isaacs Kekemeke, Chief Olusola Oke (SAN), Ondo State APC Chairman Ade Adetimehin, former Speaker of Ondo State, Victor Olabintan, former Health Minister Prof. Isaac Adewole, Otunba Gbenga Daniel, Ambassador Sola Iji, Senator Iyiola Omisore, Dare Babarinsa, Chief Pius Akinyelure, and Prince Dapo Adeyeye.
Despite being invited to the meeting, Chief Ayo Adebanjo, the acting leader of the Afenifere, allegedly did not show up or send a representative.
Peter Obi, the nominee of the Labour Party (LP), has Adebanjo’s continued support.
The Pan-Yoruba socio-political organisation has made it clear that it was his personal choice and not the group’s.
Tinubu had visited Fasoranti prior to the APC presidential primaries to inform him of his decision to run and to seek his approval.
The elderstatesman, who had encouraged him to run, instructed Tinubu to attend prayers once he had won the shadow vote.
Faoranti declared yesterday that he would be present for his inauguration as president.
84-year-old former secretary to the government Falae gave an explanation for why he supports Tinubu, claiming that he is a quality product.
He lamented the weakening Naira and the ongoing economic difficulties.
Falae tasked the APC nominee with reviving the economy.
Falae added: “When you become President, please, work to fix this country. We are here to offer advice. I am old and no longer looking for a job. We need to fix security and fix our economy. Our naira is almost becoming useless and it will soon become N1,000 to a dollar. We must change that. I know your ability. We will always be here to support and I wish you well. We will be here when you bring the trophy home by the grace of God.”
Arogbofa encouraged Tinubu to bring the nation together and work for its advancement as he delivered the group’s objective to him.
He enumerated the concerns they would like Tinubu to address as president, including restructuring, state police, and insecurity.
Arogbofa said: “We will like you to restructure the country. Insecurity is everywhere. By the introduction of state police, this will be done. Insecurity led to the formation of Amotekun. We are already seeing Amotekun as the precursor to state police”
