Afenifere leader, Pa Ayo Adebanjo, has emphasized the importance of equity, justice, and fairness in Nigeria’s political landscape.
Speaking exclusively to The Quest Times in November 2022, Adebanjo noted that supporting Peter Obi, an Igbo man, rather than Ahmed Bola Tinubu, a Yoruba man, for the presidency has everything to do with promoting these principles.
According to the 94-year-old veteran politician, the southeastern region of Nigeria is yet to produce a civilian president since the return of democratic governance in 1999. He stressed that this disparity must be addressed to ensure that Nigeria’s political system is equitable and just.
He affirmed that Afenifere and himself have developed principles that guide their political decisions, emphasizing that tribalism should not be a factor in selecting a candidate for the presidency.
“I made it possible for Tinubu to be Governor (of Lagos). He confirmed it on my 90th birthday. Tinubu is like my son. It’s an insult to say I am fighting him,” Adebanjo said.
“What people don’t know is that Afenifere and myself, we have developed principles. If I was going to be tribalistic, a person who through me, God made him the governor of Lagos, I should be happy for him to emerge the President of Nigeria. But it’s not fair.
“And I have said it before, Tinubu gave me all the respect I deserve. He is very liberal to me. There is no Christmas…ever, that he doesn’t give me presents. Even during COVID-19, he gave me presents. But that is not the question. That is what Ayo Adebanjo is.”
According to the 94-year-old veteran politician, the southeastern region of Nigeria is yet to produce a civilian president since the return of democratic governance in 1999. He stressed that this disparity must be addressed to ensure that Nigeria’s political system is equitable and just.
“I advised Tinubu in my room here that don’t believe Buhari o, he’s deceiving you. I said Fulanis, don’t believe them.
“It is because a Fulani promised you that when I leave, I will make you the president, that is what led to Emi lokan.
“Igbo lokan o! It is between you and Buhari–Iwo lokan. You and Buhari you don’t know Nigeria. Nigeria says Igbo lokan.
“Emi lokan is between you and Buhari. Go and settle your Buhari affair,” he reiterated.
Pa Ayo Adebanjo stressed that the presidency should be determined by equity, justice, and fairness rather than tribal affiliations. He urged the Igbo people to assert their right to produce the next president of Nigeria, noting that it is their turn to do so.
Tinubu is a traitor
According to Pa Adebanjo, Tinubu is a traitor of Yoruba-land, which is Nigeria’s cosmopolitan southwestern region.
Adebanjo also accused Tinubu of dividing Afenifere alongside other rebels like former Ogun State Governor Segun Osoba and former Osun State Governor Bisi Akande.
He stated that the Jagaban section of the breakaway from Afenifere under Ayo Fasanmi attacked them when Fasoranti was the President of Afenifere. When Fasanmi died, they chose another man to attack Afenifere with.
Furthermore, Adebanjo explains that those who say Afenifere is divided are rebels and breakaways, and none of them has been able to challenge him.
They broke away from Afenifere because Tinubu wanted to take over Afenifere after emerging Governor of Lagos. Because he was in government, he was able to distribute largesse to them. They went after him and abandoned Afenifere, and they were all at peace.
Pa Adebanjo also asserts that with the scale falling off the eyes of their people, they are now seeing Tinubu for who he is.
In his words, “Tinubu, Osoba, Akande, are all traitors!!! They are all traitors of Yoruba-land!!!”