Politics
2023: Tinubu’s presidential bid receives major boost, as Fasoranti declares support {Video}
The Presidential bid of former governor of Lagos state, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Tuesday got a major boost, following the decision of a prominent Yoruba leader, Pa Reuben Fasoranti to support his candidacy in 2023.
Fasoranti, made the declaration while playing host to the Senator ‘Dayo Adeyeye -led South West Agenda ‘23, SWAGA- a group working for the aspiration of Tinubu, to his Akure home.
The group had earlier visited the elder statesman minutes after arriving from tour of Igbokoda, Ore, Ikale and Ondo towns to inform their monarchs of Tinubu’s ambition.
SWAGA is populated by former lawmakers, politicians, loyalists and supporters of the APC within the six southwest states promoting Tinubu’s presidential ambition.
The ex-Afenifere leader, while addressing the group recalled how almost a year ago he assured Tinubu of his support.
“Almost a year ago, I told him (Tinubu) that he has my total support. Judging from his performances, his activities, there is no other person that can do it except him (Tinubu). My prayer is that God Almighty will grant his request and heart desire, and when he eventually becomes the president, I am confident that he will do what we want. May your journey bear a fruitful outcome,” Pa Fasoranti said.
The group, during its separate visits to monarchs in Ondo South and Central senatorial districts, had earlier expressed support for power shift to Southwest.
At the palace of the Abodi of Ikale in Okitipupa Local Government Area of Ondo State, Oba George Faduyile, said he supported the idea of Bola Tinubu becoming president, stressing that the former Lagos governor is the most qualified and prepared to succeed President Buhari in 2023.
Oba Faduyile further noted that, even though the Southwest is endowed with politicians who could succeed Buhari, Tinubu’s track records stood him out and made him remained the best among the bests.
Also commenting, Osemawe of Ondo Kingdom, Oba Victor Kiladejo advised the SWAGA group to be united to succeed.
The monarch, who spoke through one of his High Chiefs, the Odofin of Ondo Kingdom, High Chief Akinsola Olaniyan, urged the SWAGA team to help Tinubu achieve his ambition.
SWAGA chairman, Senator Adeyeye, said the presidency rotation was between the North and the South and not any geopolitical zones. The former Minister of State for Works, also explained that the Southwest was well placed to produce President Buhari’s successor.
The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Oyo State has called on Governor Seyi Makinde to resign immediately, alleging that his recent remarks on state security exposed incompetence and an inability to lead.
Governor Makinde, speaking during his acceptance speech as the Presidential candidate of the Allied Peoples Movement (APM) in Ibadan on Saturday, lamented that he could do little to rescue abducted school children and residents in Oriire Local Government Area due to all security structures being under federal control.
Reacting, APC State Publicity Secretary, Olawale Sadare, described the governor’s comments as “the height of cluelessness, insincerity, and criminal ineptitude,” warning that such disclosures reflect a dangerous trend among parochial leaders.
Sadare said, “Engr. Seyi Makinde could not find any fault in the nation’s Constitution, yet he swore twice to protect lives and properties of Oyo people. He has long enjoyed the powers of his office, controlling resources and people without challenge, but now faces a serious test, exposing incompetence, cluelessness, and ego.”
He added, “Instead of addressing security challenges, Makinde is exploiting the situation to push a mirage he calls a presidential ambition in 2027. His insensitive comments once again reveal hypocrisy. It is time he quit the office of the governor, having admitted he lacks the capacity to secure the state.”
The APC also recalled that previous governors, including Alhaji Lam Adesina, Senator Rashidi Ladoja, Chief Adebayo Alao-Akala, and the late Sen. Abiola Ajimobi, operated under the same constitutional provisions without similar security failures. Sadare particularly praised Ajimobi for establishing a Security Trust Fund to ensure funding and stakeholder involvement in security, in contrast to the current administration.
“Makinde’s presidential ambition is dead on arrival. Our concern is the continued loss, deprivation, and mismanagement the people of Oyo may suffer in the remaining year of his tenure. The state deserves a team player, a sincere and humble governor — qualities Makinde has failed to demonstrate in seven years. He should apologise and step down,” Sadare concluded.
Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, on Saturday emerged as the presidential candidate of the Allied Peoples Movement (APM) for the 2027 general election following the conclusion of the party’s presidential nomination process.
Makinde emerged through consensus and affirmation by party delegates during the exercise, in what party leaders described as a demonstration of unity and confidence in his leadership ahead of the next general elections.
The governor was presented with his Certificate of Return by the National Chairman of the APM, Alhaji Yusuf Dantali, during a ceremony held in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, amid cheers from party faithful, delegates and supporters drawn from different parts of the country.
Speaking during the presentation, Dantali said Makinde possesses the leadership qualities, administrative experience and vision required to steer the country towards sustainable growth and national development.
He urged party members across the federation to close ranks and intensify grassroots mobilisation to ensure victory for the party in the 2027 presidential election.
The APM national chairman maintained that the party remained committed to presenting Nigerians with what he described as a credible alternative capable of addressing the country’s economic, security and governance challenges.
According to him, the emergence of Makinde as the party’s flag bearer marked the beginning of a new political movement aimed at restoring hope and strengthening democratic governance in the country.
In his acceptance speech, Governor Makinde expressed appreciation to the leadership of the party and delegates for the confidence reposed in him, pledging to work with stakeholders across political, ethnic and religious divides to advance the party’s vision for national transformation.
The governor assured party supporters of his commitment to inclusive leadership, promising to prioritise policies that would improve economic prosperity, strengthen institutions and enhance the welfare of Nigerians if elected.
Five key members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Oyo State have been appointed to the party’s campaign committee for the 2026 governorship re-election of Governor Abiodun Oyebanji in Ekiti State.
The Oyo APC leaders on the list include the party’s governorship candidate, Sharafadeen Abiodun Alli, former Senate leader Teslim Folarin, Minister of Youth and Sports Development, Sunday Dare, Zacch Adedeji, and Remi Oseni.
The list, signed by the party’s National Secretary, Sen. Ajibola Basiru, reflects the APC’s strategy of deploying experienced political figures with strong grassroots networks to ensure a successful re-election campaign in Ekiti.
“These appointments recognise their political experience and commitment to advancing the party’s agenda,” the source within the party said.
The APC committee is expected to coordinate campaign activities, voter engagement, and messaging, positioning the party for a strong showing in the 2026 governorship election.
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