Oyo 2027: Mandate group writes Tinubu, APC, seeks Asanike's backing
The Southwest APC Mandate Group has reiterated its call on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to recognise the outstanding loyalty and sacrifice of Prince Kola Asatola Asanike to the All Progressives
The Southwest APC Mandate Group has reiterated its call on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to recognise the outstanding loyalty and sacrifice of Prince Kola Asatola Asanike to the All Progressives Congress (APC) and his leadership.
The group said such recognition would encourage deeper commitment to the tenets of the party.
In a letter to President Tinubu and the APC, copies of which were made available to reporters, the group highlighted Asanike’s decades-long commitment to the party and its ideals, justifying what it described as a deserving reward.
According to the letter signed by the group’s Publicity Secretary, Comrade Olugbenga Bojuwomi, Asanike clearly ranks as the people’s choice among aspirants for the Oyo governorship seat.
Addressing the President, the group said: “Prince Asanike has been a stalwart supporter of your progressive ideology since the early 2000s.”
It emphasised Asanike’s unwavering dedication to the APC’s vision.
The group lauded his contributions to the party’s struggles, dating back to the National Democratic Coalition (NADECO) era and the 1999–2007 elections.
“During the NADECO days, Asanike led the Southwest wing of the anti-military advocacy campaign that joined in pushing out the military regime and in the struggle to install Chief MKO Abiola as president, following his victory in the June 12 presidential election.
“Of particular note was Prince Asanike’s instrumental role in securing the freedom of party members incarcerated in Kuje Prison in 2014 by the Goodluck Jonathan administration for supporting Tinubu.
“Asanike mobilised resources and lawyers to support their release, demonstrating his unwavering commitment to the party and its members,” the group stated.
The Southwest APC Mandate Group also recalled Asanike’s tireless engagements with other Southwest leaders, including visits to Chief Segun Osoba and Chief Biyi Durojaye, to canvass support for Tinubu’s presidency and ensure the Yoruba turn at the helm.
The group reiterated Asanike’s role in the Next Level, Next Prosperity Movement, led by Oladipupo Oladosu.
“At the build-up to Asiwaju’s emergence for the presidency, the Next Level, Next Prosperity Movement (NNPM), Asanike worked tirelessly on mobilisation through various meetings and engagements to demonstrate his personal and unconditional commitment to Asiwaju’s presidential aspiration.
“He went through thick and thin with other eminent Yoruba leaders in the NNPM, meeting critical stakeholders such as Baba Bisi Akande, Chief Osoba, Senator Olabiyi Durojaye and others, including notable women in the Southwest.
“Asanike committed himself to the cause without looking back.
“We also recall the NNPM meeting with Seyi Tinubu, where Asanike made a brilliant contribution that gave a new direction to the conversation that day.
“This demonstrates his unwavering commitment to Tinubu’s leadership and vision for Nigeria,” the group emphasised.
The letter stated that Asanike’s role in financing the Jagaban National Coalition, one of the support groups during the 2023 build-up to President Tinubu’s election, further underscores his merit as a staunch loyalist and builder of democracy in Oyo State.
“He used his resources and influence to mobilise support for your presidency, demonstrating his dedication to the APC and its leadership,” the group added.
The letter emphasised the need to reward Asanike’s loyalty and sacrifice, citing his key role in funding and mobilising support groups for Tinubu’s presidency.
It said: “His efforts and commitment warrant consideration for public responsibility.”
The group urged President Tinubu to recognise Asanike’s past and present contributions to the APC.
It added that acknowledging his loyalty and sacrifice would not only be a fitting tribute to his efforts but also serve as a beacon of hope for other party stalwarts.
“Asanike’s contributions to the party’s struggles are proof of his commitment to the APC’s ideals.
“He has been an example to us, sharing in the political philosophy of Your Excellency. That is why he, and we, as a group, can be described as loyal disciples.
“Acknowledging Prince Asanike’s loyalty and sacrifice will be a fitting tribute to his efforts and a beacon of hope for other party stalwarts,” the group emphasised.
The letter was copied to the APC National Chairman and the party’s National Secretariat, underscoring the importance of recognising Asanike’s contributions as the group awaits President Tinubu’s consideration of its request.
