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2019: Afenifere Tackles Tinubu, Deny Endorsing Buhari

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2023: Buhari Being Manipulated To Diminish Tinubu

The pan-Yoruba socio-political group, Afenifere, has denied endorsing President Muhammadu Buhari as been circulated in certain media platforms.

The group in its denial also too a swipe at the national leader of the All Progressives Congress, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, accusing him of being behind the “fake” endorsement of Buhari.

Recall some reports had said some Afenifere chieftains, led by Senator Ayo Fasanmi, endorsed Buhari at a gathering in Ibadan on Thursday.

Others who were present at the meeting include Lagos APC chieftain, Prince Tajudeen Olusi; a former Deputy Governor to Tinubu, Prince Biodun Ogunleye; APC chieftain, Dr. Abayomi Fini and a former Governor of the old Oyo State, Omololu Olunloyo.

However, the spokesman for Afenifere, Mr. Yinka Odumakin, as quoted by Punch said it was “unfortunate” that Tinubu, who had discredited Afenifere, could organise such a charade.

He denied that the group had endorsed Buhari for a second term, saying those present at the meeting were only taking advantage of Senator Fasanmi who was advanced in age.

The Afenifere, Odumakin said, “That is a fake Afenifere group powered by Bola Ahmed Tinubu. If you look at the names of the people at that particular group, the only person that was once with us is Senator Fasanmi and we believe they are just using him.

“The masquerade behind this entire show is Bola Tinubu, who has plenty of money. Why is he hiding under Afenifere? Haven’t he and his people been disparaging Afenifere? Why has Afenifere suddenly become attractive to them?

“When Afenifere was fighting for the rights of Yoruba people attacked by herdsmen in Ile-Ife and in Akure, where was Bola Tinubu? Suddenly, he remembers Afenifere because elections are here.

“Let Tinubu come and meet us directly. Why is he hiding and using our name?”

Odumakin added that Afenifere would only support a candidate who supports restructuring, especially true federalism.

He said the endorsed candidate would be made public after a meeting with other socio-cultural groups such as Ohanaeze NdIgbo and the Northern Elders Forum.

“We are for restructuring. And when it is time to endorse a candidate, it will be a joint decision with Pan-Niger Delta Forum, Ohanaeze, Middle Belt Forum and the Northern Elders Forum,” the spokesperson said.