Adebanjo insists on Obi as Fasoranti backs Tinubu

The leader of the pan-Yoruba socio-political group, Afenifere, Pa Reuben Fasoranti, and several South West leaders endorsed All Progressives Congress presidential candidate Asiwaju Bola Tinubu on Sunday.

Tinubu received their endorsement during a meeting he had with the leaders of the organization at Fasoranti's residence in Akure, the capital of Ondo State.

Some members of the group, including Pa Ayo Adebanjo, and Secretary General Chief Sola Ebiseni, were however absent from the meeting.

Adebanjo previously declared his support for Labor Party presidential candidate Peter Obi.

Adebanjo insists

Adebanjo, in a telephone interview with one of our correspondents on Sunday, said he was not supposed to be at the Akure meeting, adding that his support for Obi was already known .

He said, "In the first place, I wasn't supposed to be there. Second, we made our position clear. Pa Fasoranti asked me if I was coming, I said if he was asking me to come. But tell him what Afenifere's position is. Once he does, I won't get into any controversy about it.

Afenifere took a stand in support of Obi. Any other splinter or rebel group... I'm not going to get into a controversy about that. I consider this a diversion. What we are going to do now is ensure that we succeed in the elections. »

Fasoranti, who briefly prayed for the APC candidate, simply said, "Tinubu will win the election."

The organization's national organizing secretary, Abagun Omololu, also issued a statement at the end of the meeting.

Attending the meeting were former Governor of Ogun State, Otunba Gbenga Daniel; retired Methodist bishop, Archbishop Ayo Ladigbolu; APC National Secretary, Senator Iyiola Omisore; the Secretary General of the Council of Yoruba Elders, Senator Cornelius Adebayo; the former Governor of Osun State, Chief Bisi Akande; and Oyo State Deputy Governor Bayo Lawal, who represented Governor Seyi Makinde.

Omololu explained that Tinubu informed the assembly of his aspiration to the presidency and also presented his manifesto to Fasoranti.

But Omololu said Afenifere leaders had no hesitation in backing the former governor of Lagos State after he proved beyond doubt that he would practice real federalism by giving states more control over domestic affairs when elected.

His statement read in part: "Tinubu shared with us his vision of a bigger and more prosperous Nigeria where democratic rights, rule of law, justice and equity will reign in master. He also gave assurances on steps to be taken to ensure the safety and security of Nigerians and their property.

"We support the decision of all qualified citizens to exercise their basic rights to seek office under the Federal Constitution.

"Having learned of his commendable track record as Governor of Lagos State and his demonstrated ability to build physical and human capital, the Yoruba leaders present at today's meeting hui have no doubt that Asiwaju Bola Tinubu as President of the Federal Government Republic of Nigeria, offers the best opportunity to produce a government that will usher in a new era of hope, peace, security, harmony, jobs remunerative for the multitude, economic development, social and political stability.

"We were also assured of his commitment to promoting true federalism that will give states more control over their affairs. Afenifere wishes him every success in pursuing his vision.”

Tinubu excited

Reacting to his approval, Tinubu applauded the group saying that the struggle he faced before securing the APC ticket was a constant reminder of why he cannot afford to drop the country.

He said, "I thank Almighty God that the dream of that time has come true. The battle was a lot. Many of them wanted Buhari to anoint another person but he (Buhari ) said no. Some of the northern governors got together and decided that he (power) should go south.

"One thing for sure is that no Yoruba man or woman objected to this ticket. They support this ticket. I want to tell you that I will bring the trophy home. This is not just a Yoruba thing. It is a Nigerian project.

“The North has proven to me that Nigeria can survive unity. Some people want President Muhammadu Buhari to announce someone, but the President said no. He insisted that the process must continue democratically. The president said anyone who spoils the APC process will see the other side of his eyes. He stood and saw the process through.

“Governor Nasir El-Rufai, Abdullahi Ganduje and other suppor...