Ahead of 2023 general election, Yoruba socio-political group, Afenifere, has declared support for the All Progressives Congress, APC, presidential candidate, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu.
The support was given on Sunday when Tinubu visited the leader of the group, Chief Reuben Fasoranti, in Akure, Ondo State.
At the meeting which was attended by leaders of Afenifere and representatives of the states of the South-West among others, Tinubu presented his action plan ahead of the 2023 general election.
The announcement of the endorsement of Tinubu by Afenifere was made in a statement by the group’s National Organising Secretary, Abagun Kole Omololu.
The statement reads in part:
“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 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.”
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Below is the full statement issued by Afenifere after the meeting with Tinubu:
Following the indication by the Presidential Candidate of All Progressives Congress, APC, 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 today.
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:
- We affirm that Nigeria as a country must be established on the basis of democracy, true federalism and social justice.
- 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.
- 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 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 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.
