Former Ogun State Governor, Chief Olusegun Osoba, has called on Nigerians to support President Bola Tinubu, emphasizing that his ascent to the presidency was not a solo achievement but the result of a collective effort by Yoruba political leaders. Osoba made the statement during the All Progressives Congress (APC) South West Zone Assembly meeting held at Eko Hotels and Suites in Lagos.
In a viral post on the X platform on Sunday, key political figures from the South West region reflected on the pivotal role they played in President Tinubu’s political rise. Chief Osoba, a prominent Yoruba leader, underscored the strategic decision made by South West leaders back in 2007 to elevate Tinubu from Lagos State politics to the national stage.
“Bola didn’t make himself the President of Nigeria; we did,” Osoba declared during the assembly. He recounted how, in 2007, following Tinubu’s tenure as Lagos State governor, a key luncheon was held by Yoruba leaders, including Alhaji Hamsa, at which they made the decision to thrust Tinubu into national politics. “It was at that meeting we collectively decided that Bola should move from Lagos politics to the national stage, to represent the interests of the Yoruba people at the topmost level of Nigerian politics,” Osoba added.
Reflecting on the Yoruba people’s long-standing struggle for leadership at the national level, Osoba recalled how the region had previously rallied behind political figures like the late Chief Obafemi Awolowo and MKO Abiola, whose presidential ambitions were thwarted. “Many of us here today worked tirelessly to support the late Chief Obafemi Awolowo’s quest for the presidency, but he wasn’t allowed to get there,” Osoba lamented. “Similarly, we rallied behind the late MKO Abiola’s presidential ambition, but we lost him, and with him, the opportunity. They killed many of us because of our mission to make this country better.”
Osoba’s remarks highlighted the sacrifices made by Yoruba leaders in their quest for a national political role, acknowledging the loss of key figures and the hardship they endured in their efforts to improve Nigeria. However, he expressed gratitude that some of the leaders who fought for a better future were still alive to witness Tinubu’s success. “But we thank God that some of us are still alive to witness Bola Tinubu’s success,” he said.
Despite the challenges and criticism that Tinubu has faced since assuming office, Osoba urged the Yoruba community to rally behind the President, accepting his “shortcomings” and offering their support. “Now that Bola Tinubu is there, I want to plead with all of you to accept his shortcomings. He will do better. After his first four-year term, he will serve another four years as a Yoruba son,” Osoba implored.
President Tinubu, elected in 2023, is seen as a transformative figure in Nigerian politics, particularly for his role in turning Lagos into an economic powerhouse during his tenure as governor. While his presidency has enjoyed support from many quarters, particularly in the South West, it has also faced criticism over economic challenges and political decisions.
Osoba concluded by reiterating the importance of Yoruba leadership in Tinubu’s presidency and the belief that he would fulfill his promises during his tenure. “The South West Assembly’s message is clear – the Yoruba leadership stands united behind Tinubu’s presidency and remains confident in his ability to deliver on his promises,” he said, reinforcing the collective effort that paved the way for Tinubu’s emergence as the first progressive president of Nigeria.
