The leader of Pan-Yoruba socio-political group, Afenifere, Chief Ayo Adebanjo, gave reasons why he was not present when Pa Ruben Fasoranti endorsed the presidential candidate of the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, in Akure, the Ondo state capital on Sunday.
Adebanjo, while speaking to newsmen on Monday explained that he was not expected to attend the ceremony given the fact that as leader of the movement, he has never hidden his support for the Labour Party candidate, Mr. Peter Obi.
“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 and once he has done that, I’m not going into any controversy about that.
Adebanjo made it clear that as a group, Afenifere had already endorsed the Labour Party candidate, adding that endorsing another candidate would be more of an exercise in futility.
“Afenifere has taken a stance to support Obi. Any other splinter or rebel group… I’m not going into any controversy about that. I regard that as a diversion. What we are going to do now is see that we succeed at the election,” he added.
Also, Afenifere’s Secretary-General, Chief Sola Ebiseni, was also absent at the endorsement meeting
However, Pa Fasoranti and other several South West political leaders endorsed Tinubu at Akure residence of Fasoranti on Sunday, stating that the APC presidential candidate will win the 2023 election.
“Tinubu will win the election,” he opined.
Fasoranti’s sentiment was shared by Afenifere’s National Organising Secretary, Abagun Omololu.
According to him, Afenifere leaders endorsed Tinubu because the former Lagos State governor has proven beyond all doubts that he has what it takes to practise true federalism by giving states more control over internal affairs when elected.
“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.
“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.
According to Omololu, Tinubu’s endorsement became a fait acompli as the APC candidate assured the leaders present that he will promote true federalism.
“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.” He said.
