Former Ogun State Governor, Chief Olusegun Osoba, has called on Nigerians to rally behind President Bola Tinubu, saying his ascension to the presidency was not a solo achievement but the result of the concerted efforts of the Yoruba leadership. emphasized.
Mr. Osoba made this statement at the All Progressives Congress Southwest Zone general meeting held at Eko Hotels and Suites, Lagos.
In a viral post spotted on the X platform on Sunday, key political leaders in the region reflected on the pivotal role they played in the political rise of President Bola Tinubu.
Mr Osoba highlighted in Parliament the strategic decision taken by South West leaders in 2007 to elevate Mr Tinubu from Lagos state level politics to the national political arena.
“Bola did not make himself the president of Nigeria. We did that,” Osoba said.
“Seventeen years ago, in 2007, after he was sworn in as governor of Lagos State, we gathered at a luncheon hosted by the then leader of the South-West, Alhaji Hamsa. We collectively decided that we should move from Lagos politics to the national stage and represent the interests of the Yoruba people at the highest levels of Nigerian politics.”
The gathering also reflected on past political struggles faced by the Yoruba people, especially their long-standing quest for leadership at the national level.
“Many of us here today worked tirelessly to support the late Chief Obafemi Awolowo’s presidential bid, but he was not allowed to get there,” Osoba said. continued.
“Likewise, we rallied behind the presidential ambitions of the late MKO Abiola, but we lost him and with him that opportunity. For our mission to make this country better. , they killed many of us. But thank God some of us are still alive to witness Bola Tinubu’s success.
Mr Osoba further called on members of parliament and the wider Yoruba community to support Mr Tinubu despite any perceived shortcomings in his leadership.
“I would like to appeal to all of you to accept his shortcomings because Bola Tinubu is there. He will do better. After his initial four-year term, he will serve another four years. I will serve as a son of the Yoruba people.”
President Bola Tinubu, who was elected President of Nigeria in 2023, has been considered a prominent figure in Nigerian politics, especially for his work in turning Lagos into an economic powerhouse during his tenure as governor.
His ascension to the presidency, seen as a victory for progressive politics, has garnered wide support in the Southwest region, but he has also faced criticism in some quarters for his economic challenges and political decisions. .
Nevertheless, Mr. Osoba said, “The message from the South-West Congress is clear: the Yoruba leadership is united in support of the Tinubu presidency and remains confident in his ability to deliver on the promises made during his tenure.” “I’m here,” he repeated.
“Bola did not make himself President of Nigeria. We did. Seventeen years ago, in 2007 after his tenure as governor of Lagos State, a luncheon was organized by Alhaji Hamsa, then the leader of the South-West. .
“At that meeting, we collectively decided that Bola should move from Lagos State politics to the national stage to represent the interests of the Yoruba people at the highest level of Nigerian politics. Thank God for being the first progressive president of the United States.
“Many of us here today worked tirelessly to support the presidential bid of the late Chief Obafemi Awolowo, but he was not allowed to get there. Similarly, I We rallied behind the presidential ambitions of the late MKO Abiola, but we lost him and with him, many of us died for the mission of making this country better. Thank God some of us are still alive.
“Now that Bola Tinubu has assumed the presidency, I would like to appeal to you all to accept his shortcomings. He will do better. After his first four years in office, he will continue to serve for another four years. He will serve as a son of the Yoruba people for a year.”
