Soji Ajibola, Ibadan
Former lawmakers including Senators, House of Representative members and notable politicians other politicians across South West states on Monday launched ‘Bola Tinubu for President’ campaign for the 2023 election in Ibadan.
The campaign group named South West Agenda led by Senator Dayo Adeyeye during their visit to the Olubadan of Ibadan, Oba Saliu Adetunji and Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Olayiwola Adeyemi I11 said members came together to actualise the agenda for the South West to produce the next president in 2023.
Other members of the group included Sen. Adesoji Akanbi (Vice Chairman); Hon. Bosun Oladele (Secretary); Hon. Rotimi Makinde; Otunba Abayomi Ogunnusi; Mrs Kafilat Ogbara; Hon. Oyetunde Ojo; Hon. Deji Jakande and Mr Ifedayo Abegunde (aka Abena).
Adeyeye hinted the two monarchs that SWAGA was aimed at ensuring that an electable political leader from South West was supported to succeed Buhari in 2023.
He pointed out that Tinubu possesses all the qualities and experience needed to lead Nigeria as the next president.
Adeyeye also revealed that there was an agreement among APC leaders during the 2015 election that presidential power would rotate to the South after Buhari’s eight-year tenure.
“We are here for politics. Politics has started. We Yorubas believe that it is our right to produce the next president. It has been an agreement that presidential power will rotate from North to South.
“As the media adviser to Abiola, I know what Yoruba want. Except a thorough-bred Yoruba person becomes president, we can’t get it. We saw that we have a very capable hand in Asiwaju Tinubu. He is so ccapable, I’ve tried a bit in Nigerian politics. No one has a bigger political stature than Tinubu in Nigeria today.
“He has not told us he would contest. We as true Yoruba sons and daughters just decided to embark on this to ensure that we push forward a good candidate. He is sellable all over Nigeria.
“We are having our inaugural meeting tomorrow (Tuesday) in Ibadan. Ibadan is the political headquarters of Yoruba. All Yorubas are represented in Ibadan.
Hence, we chose Ibadan. As Yoruba children, we have come to seek your blessings for the meeting and the agenda,” Adeyeye said.
He said they will continue to consult elders and traditional rulers in the land.
Speaking, Oba Adetunji commended members of the group for taking the bold step to advance the interest of Yoruba. He said it is not out of place for people to press for their rights in Nigeria.
The monarch said Yoruba played a key roles in the struggle for Nigeria’s independence and development, stressing that they deserve top roles in government, particularly those eminently qualified citizens of Yoruba extraction.
As a traditional ruler, Adetunji said his door was open to all political parties. He assured them of open arms, stressing that they were free to visit him at any time. He, thereafter, blessed their agenda.
