Pa Reuben Fasoranti, the founder of the Pan-Yoruba sociopolitical organization Afenifere, and a number of South West elders on Sunday supported Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, the APC’s presidential candidate.
At a meeting he had with the group’s founders at Fasoranti’s home in Akure, the capital of Ondo State, Tinubu got their support.
Pa Ayo Adebanjo and Chief Sola Ebiseni, the group’s secretary general, weren’t present for the meeting, though.
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Peter Obi, the Labour Party’s presidential candidate, has Adebanjo’s support, he previously stated.
In a phone conversation with one of our reporters on Sunday, Adebanjo claimed he wasn’t intended to attend the Akure meeting and added that his support for Obi was already well-known.
He said, “In the first place, I was not supposed to be there. In the second place, we have made our position clear. Pa Fasoranti asked me if I was coming, I said if he asked me to come. But tell him what the position of Afenifere is. Once he has done that, I’m not going into any controversy about that.
Afenifere has declared her support for Obi. any other split-off or insurgent group… I won’t get into a debate about that. That is a distraction in my opinion. We will now take action to ensure that the election goes well.
Fasoranti simply stated, “Tinubu will win the election,” after saying a quick prayer for the APC candidate.
At the conclusion of the meeting, the group’s National Organising Secretary, Abagun Omololu, also released a statement.
Otunba Gbenga Daniel, a former governor of Ogun State, retired Methodist Bishop Archbishop Ayo Ladigbolu, Senator Iyiola Omisore, general secretary of the Yoruba Council of Elders, Senator Cornelius Adebayo, Chief Bisi Akande, a former governor of Osun State, and Bayo Lawal, the deputy governor of Oyo State, who represented Governor Seyi Makinde, were all present at the meeting.
According to Omololu, Tinubu informed the crowd on his presidential ambitions and gave Fasoranti a copy of his platform.
But Omololu claimed that when the former governor of Lagos State showed beyond a shadow of a doubt that he would uphold true federalism by granting states greater power over internal affairs if elected, the Afenifere leaders did not hesitate to support him.
His statement partly read, “Tinubu shared with us his vision of a greater and more prosperous Nigeria where democratic rights, rule of law, justice and fairness will reign supreme. He also gave assurance on steps to be taken to ensure the safety and security of Nigerians and their properties.
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“We support the decision of all qualified citizens to exercise their fundamental rights of seeking offices provided by the federal Constitution.
“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 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 have also been assured 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.”
Reacting to his endorsement, Tinubu applauded the group saying the struggle he encountered before clinching the APC ticket was a constant reminder of why he cannot afford to let the country down.
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He said, “I thank God almighty that the dream of that time has come to reality. The battle was much. Many of them wanted Buhari to anoint another person but he (Buhari) said no. Some of the Northern governors came together and resolved that it (power) has to go to the south.
“One certain thing is that no Yoruba men and women opposed this ticket. They support this ticket. I want to tell you that I will bring the trophy home. It is not just a Yoruba thing. It is a Nigeria project.
“The North proved to me that Nigeria can survive its unity. Some people want President Muhammadu Buhari to announce someone but the President said no. He insisted the process must go on democratically. The president said anyone that would mess up the APC process would see the other side of his eyes. He remained upright and saw the process to the end.
“Governor Nasir El-Rufai, Abdullahi Ganduje and others supported me to the end. The battle was tough and at a point, I was in doubt. There were many rumours and I became confused about what to believe.”
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Speaking further, Tinubu said he enjoyed the support of the President, Major General Muhammadu Buhari (retd), who had affirmed his full support to make sure he( Tinubu) wins the election,
“President Buhari told me I promoted his name with the way I won the primary election because the process was clean and transparent and nobody can accuse him of manipulating the process. President Buhari said I gave him credibility and I deserved to be President.
“When I asked him to nominate the VP candidate for me, he said I should pick whomever I want and it is the reason I chose a competent man in Kashim Shettima who never lost any election and protected Christians in times of trouble in his state,” he stated.
If elected, Chief Olu Falae, an Afenifere chieftain and former secretary to the Government of the Federation, asked Tinubu to repair the nation’s economy.
Falae, who bemoaned the depreciating naira, claimed that he spent his entire life working for Nigeria and does not want his efforts to be in vain now that he is older.
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He charged, “You have a lot of work to do, Nigeria has been turned down, I used to go to Lagos without any fear at the age of 14. You have to look into the issue of insecurity.
“They want to change currency it would have much pressure on naira because the election is nearer. Financial matters should be looked into, how you will do it, God will guide you. We will be available to advise you if you get there.
“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 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.”
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