Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s presidential ambition may have caused a crack in the Yoruba socio-political group, Afenifere. This is even as the long-standing relationship between two Afenifere leaders, Pa Reuben Fasoranti and Chief Ayo Adebanjo may have been destroyed due to their positions on the All Progressives Congress, APC, presidential candidate’s ambition.
While Fasoranti may have endorsed and supported Tinubu’s aspiration and prayed for his success on Sunday, Adebanjo is backing Peter Obi, a presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP).
In March 2021, 96-year-old Fasoranti had as a result of old age stepped down as National Leader of Afenifere. He handed over to 93-year-old Ayo Adebanjo as the Acting National Leader.
While Tinubu met with the Afenifere leaders on Sunday in Akure, Adebanjo and those loyal to him stayed away from the event.
In April 2021, Fasoranti had earlier endorsed Tinubu’s presidential bid when the South West Agenda for Asiwaju (SWAGA 23), paid him a courtesy visit to his country home in Akure.
He had said, “Tinubu has all it takes to rule Nigeria. Considering his activities and track record, he deserves to be President, come 2023. May his prayers be answered; when he gets there, he will do all we want.”
Adebanjo had then quickly countered Fasoranti saying he spoke for himself and not for Afenifere.
On Sunday, Fasoranti insisted it must be Tinubu and prayed for him ahead of the 2023 elections.