Former Ogun State Governor, Chief Olusegun Osoba, has called on Nigerians to support President Bola Tinubu, emphasizing that his ascent to the presidency was a collective effort of Yoruba leadership, not an individual achievement.
Osoba made this assertion at the All Progressives Congress South-West Zone Assembly held at Eko Hotels and Suites in Lagos. In a widely circulated post on the X platform on Sunday, key political figures from the region reflected on their instrumental roles in Tinubu’s political journey.
During the assembly, Osoba highlighted a crucial decision made by South-West leaders in 2007 to transition Tinubu from Lagos State politics to a national platform. “Bola didn’t make himself the President of Nigeria; we did,” he stated.
“Seventeen years ago, in 2007, after his tenure as the governor of Lagos State, we gathered at a luncheon organized by Alhaji Hamsa, our leader in the South-West at that time. It was at that meeting we collectively decided that Bola should move from Lagos politics to the national stage, to represent the interests of the Yoruba people at the topmost level of Nigerian politics.”
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The assembly also reflected on the historical struggles of the Yoruba in seeking national leadership. “Many of us here today worked tirelessly to support the late Chief Obafemi Awolowo’s quest for the presidency, but he wasn’t allowed to get there,” Osoba noted.
“Similarly, we rallied behind the late MKO Abiola’s presidential ambition, but we lost him, and with him, the opportunity. They killed many of us because of our mission to make this country better. But we thank God that some of us are still alive to witness Bola Tinubu’s success.”
Osoba urged the assembly members and the broader Yoruba community to support Tinubu, regardless of any perceived shortcomings in his leadership. “Now that Bola Tinubu is there, I want to plead with all of you to accept his shortcomings. He will do better. After his first four-year term, he will serve another four years as a Yoruba son.”
President Bola Tinubu, who assumed office in 2023, is recognized as a significant player in Nigerian politics, especially for transforming Lagos into an economic hub during his governorship. While his presidency has been celebrated as a victory for progressive politics in the South-West, he has faced criticism for economic challenges and certain political decisions.
Nonetheless, Osoba reiterated the unity of the Yoruba leadership behind Tinubu, stating, “The South-West Assembly’s message is clear – the Yoruba leadership stands united behind Tinubu’s presidency and remains confident in his ability to deliver on his promises during his tenure.
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