The Yoruba apex body under the umbrella of Concerned Yoruba Socio-Cultural/Political Likeminds (New Afenifere) has called on elder statesmen, Pa Ayo Adebanjo, and Pa Reuben Fasoranti to stop the idea of imposing their preferred presidential candidates upon the group as a whole, as they, a more dynamic and youthful arm have decided to take their future into their hands as they prepare for 2023 general elections.
Recall that Pa Ayo Adebanjo and his colleague, Pa Reuben Fasoranti, are at loggerheads over who should be the group’s anointed candidate among the contestants in the race.
Speaking on Tuesday, 08 November 2022, the National Coordinator of The New Afenifere, Hon Comrade Ajibade Adeyeye has advised the elders to leave the younger members alone and allow them forge their own future, and chose who they feel will help them and the Yorubas achieve their aspirations and dreams under a new and fair Nigeria were each area and state will be treated equally and developed to its potential.
The group also stated that after far reaching consultations, the unanimous candidate for the majority of their members is the candidate of the New Nigeria People’s Party, NNPP, Engr. Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso.
The National Coordinator stated that their decision was based on the sequence of achievements of Kwankwaso as a governor, minister and lawmaker, and the recently released blueprint of the party which shows a clear sense of direction and deliberate work plan.
Also speaking, the National Secretary, Omooba Adewale Adebare maintained that the leaders have no control of what happens in the 2023 election, noting that as far as they, the younger and more dynamic force of the Afenifere are concerned, the President must emerge from an electoral process that allows expression of interest, and full participation of politicians and voters.
He said, “As far as we are concerned, we have resolved to support the candidacy of Engr. Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, and our decision is not influenced by religious or ethnic bigotry, nor by pecuniary considerations. We believe in potential efficiency than the regular affiliations that have done nothing to better the lives of Nigerians and the youths in particular.
“We believe in one Nigeria and, we are convinced that kwankwaso is good for a better Nigeria.
“In 1999-2007, of what particular benefit was Obasanjo to the Yoruba zone during his reign? Yet the north supported him in both elections
“That Afenifere as a whole should take the side of Pa Fasoranti and vote Bola Tinubu, or side with Pa Adebanjo and vote Peter Obi? You are dictating this to the younger and more dynamic members that have the right to choose who their candidates are? This will not be accepted in 2023. We have our minds made up and have decided to support and voluntarily work for the emergence of Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso at the presidential poll come 2023.”, he said.
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