The Afenifere Renewal Group has urged South-West politicians to work with the All Progressives Congress standard-bearer, Bola Tinubu, in actualising his presidential ambition come 2023.
The group’s Publicity Secretary, Michael Ogungbemi, spoke at a press conference in Ado Ekiti, Ekiti State, adding that “no geopolitical zone can singlehandedly produce a Nigerian President without recourse to the sensibilities and cooperation of others”.
Ogungbemi lauded the President, Maj. Gen. Muhammadu Buhari (retd.); the APC Northern Governors’ Forum; presidential aspirants who withdrew for Tinubu; and party members for making his emergence as candidate possible.
“It is now time for the South West to display uncommon unity to complement the patriotic and progressive efforts of the APC members,” he said.
He added, “This is not the time to put up the toga of ego and sulk in the enmity of the past. We must chart a new course and work hard with the other five zones of the country for Asiwaju Tinubu to ascend the throne.
“The trajectory of election in Nigeria since 1999 clearly presents an unassailable narrative that no geopolitical zone can singlehandedly produce a Nigerian President without recourse to the sensibilities and cooperation of others.
“With this reality, we must jettison primordial sentiments and divisive comments and form a formidable coalition with the Igbos, Fulani, Hausa, Kanuri and other ethnic nationalities to galvanise support for Asiwaju Tinubu in the forthcoming election.
“We hereby, humbly task Vice President, Yemi Osinbajo; Chief Bisi Akande; the Chairman, Southwest Governors’ Forum, Rotimi Akeredolu; Nigerian Governors’ Forum Chairman, Dr Kayode Fayemi; Ibikunke Amosun; Rauf Aregbesola and other bigwigs in the progressive fold to midwife sincere and genuine reconciliation among contending forces and unite for Tinubu.”