Seyi Makinde, the Governor of Oyo state, has stated that he supports the most recent stance taken by the Yoruba socio-cultural organisation Afenifere, which has dealt yet another blow to the Peoples Democratic Party’s (PDP) chances of winning the 2023 general election.
Bola Tinubu, the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate for president, received the endorsement of the group’s leaders in Ondo on Sunday, and Afenifere announced his support for him.
Mr. Makinde was represented at the meeting by his deputy, Adebayo Lawal, who said that his principal gave the group’s decision his full backing.
“Every time there is an important occasion or decision in the Afenifere or any other committee in Yoruba land, Engineer Makinde has always given his input. We are not bonded by a political party but by tribal brotherhood. And he has sent me here to inform you that he endorses whatever your decision is,” Mr Lawal said.
The former leader of the Afenifere, Pa Reuben Fasoranti, prayed for Mr. Tinubu’s electoral success as the group backed his campaign. Several Yoruba people, including Olu Falae, Olu Bajowa, Bisi Akande, Cornelius Adebayo, and former Chief of Army Staff Alani Akinrinade, were present at the conference.
Additionally present were politicians such as former minister Musiliu Obanikoro, deputy governor of Ondo state Lucky Aiyedatiwa, and governor of Ekiti State Biodun Oyebanji.
Seinde Arogbofa and Abagun Omololu were among the Afenifere leaders in attendance during the conference. The Yoruba group’s current head, Pa Ayo Adebanjo, was not present at the meeting. For president the next year, he had previously endorsed Peter Obi.
The current development might split Afenifere apart because it seems to accentuate divisions inside the organization before the general elections in 2023. In 2021, Mr. Fasoranti, 96, handed the reins over to Mr. Adebanjo, 94, after raising doubts about his capacity to continue managing the organization.
Up until this point, both leaders had shared responsibilities for the party’s internal operations and the Yoruba’s political direction. When asked whether the opposing decisions by Messrs. Adebanjo and Fasoranti to support Messrs. Obi and Tinubu, respectively, had fractured Afenifere as a cohesive pressure group representing the Yoruba, the group’s spokesman did not respond right away.
Mr. Makinde’s tacit support for Mr. Tinubu came while the governor and Atiku Abubakar were embroiled in a protracted argument.
While the governor was embroiled in a protracted argument with Atiku Abubakar, the candidate of the opposition PDP, Mr. Makinde’s implied support for Mr. Tinubu occurred. Mr. Makinde has openly backed Governor Nyesom Wike as the Rivers governor persisted in demanding concessions from the opposition party, including the ouster of party leader Iyorchia Ayu.
In addition to Mr. Makinde and other PDP supporters, Mr. Wike has threatened to work against Mr. Abubakar and there are already rumors that he is in talks with Mr. Tinubu to support the APC candidate for president.
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