Tinubu offers best leadership, says Afenifere as Fasanranti blesses APC candidate

The presidential candidate of the ruling All Progressives Congress, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, has received the blessing of the Leader of Afenifere, Pa Reuben Fasoranti, and other Afenifere chieftains.

Tinubu received the blessing on Sunday at the country home of Pa Fasoranti, who prayed for the success of Tinubu at next year’s polls.

The blessing was coming weeks after the acting leader of the group, Ayo Adebanjo, endorsed the presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Peter Obi.

The APC standard bearer had arrived in the state to present his Action Plan on how to reposition the country to the Yoruba Yoruba cultural and political organisation.

The 80-page Action Plan document christened Renewed Hope, was formally launched in Abuja on 21 October by President Muhammadu Buhari.

In attendance were Chief Olu Falae, Gen. Olu Bajowa, former Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Alani Akinrinade, Chief Bisi Akande, Chief Cornelius Adebayo, former Kwara State Governor, former minister, Chief Rufus Arogbofa and Chief Iyiola Omisore.

Also in attendance were the Governor of Ekiti State, Biodun Oyebanji, Deputy Governors of Oyo and Ondo States, Bayo Lawal and Lucky Aiyedatiwa.

Other personalities include former ministers Musiliu Obanikoro, Senator Dayo Adeyeye, Prof. Isaac Adewoye, Minister of State for Transport, Ademola Adegoroye, and former Ogun Deputy Governor, Chief Segun Adesegun, who stood in for Chief Segun Osoba.

A statement by National Organising Secretary of Afenifere, “Abagun Kole Omololu, on the visit reads, “Following the indication by the Presidential Candidate of All Progressives Congress, in the forthcoming 2023 Elections, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, to visit The Leader of the pan-Yoruba socio-political organisation Afenifere, Pa Reuben Famuyide FASORANTI, OFR, invited leaders from all parts of Yorubaland to be with him as he receives the astute Politician.

“The leaders and some other eminent Yoruba intelligentsias responded positively by sitting with him as he hosted Tinubu in Akure.

“The meeting was attended by Yoruba Leaders from Oyo, Ogun, Ondo, Ekiti, Osun, Lagos, Kogi and Kwara states.

“The meeting was fully briefed about the aspiration of Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu to contest for the Presidency of Nigeria in the forthcoming Elections in February 2023. He even presented his Manifesto to Baba, the Asiwaju of Yorubaland.

“He 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 safety and security of Nigerians and their properties.

“Following exhaustive deliberations informed by presentations by various stakeholders, the Afenifere states as follow:

“1. We affirm that Nigeria as a country must be established on the basis of democracy, true federalism and social justice.

“2. We affirm that Democracy is the most civilised method of governance because it is based on the fundamental human rights of every citizen to determine how he or she wants to be governed.

“3. We support the decision of all qualified citizens to exercise their fundamental rights of seeking offices provided by the federal Constitution.

“4. 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.

“5. We were also assured of his commitment to the promotion of true federalism that will give states more control over their affairs.

“6. Afenifere wishes him success in the pursuit of his vision.

“7. The Meeting urged other presidential candidates to utilise similar opportunities to articulate their vision.”