The leader of the Yoruba socio-cultural group, Afenifere, Chief Ayo Adebanjo kicked against the endorsement of the All Progressives Congress (APC) presidential candidate, Bola Tinubu by Pa Reuben Fasoranti and some leaders of the group in Akure, the Ondo State capital.
VANTAGE NEWS reports that Fasoranti and some other Afenifere leaders threw their weight behind the former Governor of Lagos State on Sunday.
In a reaction, Adebanjo rubbished the endorsement, saying such does not hold water as they can’t speak on behalf of the group.
Adebanjo insisted that he is the current leader of the Afenifere and the earlier-announced decision not to support Tinubu’s presidential ambition is still in place.
He stated that the decision was made in the spirit of fairness and justice, adding that it is not the turn of the southwest to produce the next Nigerian President.
Adebanjo argued that the Labour Party candidate, Peter Obi remains the choice of the pan-Yoruba group for the 2023 presidency.
He said that he warned Fasoranti not to allow himself to be used to cause confusion when he got a call from him that Tinubu was planning to meet him.
Adebanjo claimed that those who were at the meeting with Tinubu are not Afenifere leaders but merely APC chieftains from the southwest.
“The Yoruba People know their leader. I’ve spoken, the National Secretary has spoken. This is no the time to engage in polemics. The way forward is my position,” Adebanjo told Daily Trust.
He added that, “What happened was a diversion. They want us to be engaged in arguments. Is that the issue now?
“Can he (Tinubu) deny it that the South-West has not had its turn? Can he deny it South-South has not had its turn? They should answer that. As far as I am concerned, the meeting does not concern us as Afenifere.
“Afenifere is not divided. That was why I said I don’t want to engage in polemics. They want to throw a wedge between me and Pa Reuben Fasoranti and I won’t allow it. The man phoned me yesterday and I warned him, don’t get yourself involved.”
Disclaimer
Comments expressed here do not reflect the opinions of Vantage News Nigeria or any employee thereof.
