Chief Ayo Adebanjo, leader of Pan-Yoruba socio-political
group, Afenifere, on Tuesday, said his group won’t back any candidate for
President in the 2023 general election until the current 1999 constitution is
changed to reflect true federalism and regional autonomy.
The 93-year-old statesman also said there is no big deal in
the declaration by All Progressives Congress National Leader, Asiwaju Bola
Tinubu, that he would be running for President next year.
Adebanjo, in a telephone chat with however, said
he does not believe in any election without constitutional change.
Tinubu, a former Lagos
State governor, on Monday, said he informed the President, Major General
Muhammadu Buhari (retd.) of his decision to run for the office of President in
2023.
When asked by State House correspondent whether he had
officially informed Buhari about his ambition to run, the APC leader said, “I
answer that with a categorical yes. I’ve informed the President of my
intention, but I have not informed Nigerians yet. I’m still consulting. And I
have no problem consulting. And I’ve not set a parameter of limitation to the
extent of how many people I will consult.
“You will soon hear; all you want to hear is the categorical
declaration. You’ve got that truth from me that I have informed Mr President of
my ambition, and you don’t expect more answers than that.”
The 69-year-old politician, who said becoming Nigeria’s
President is his lifelong dream, also said there is nothing wrong with a
kingmaker becoming a king.
But apex Igbo socio-cultural organisation Ohanaeze Ndigbo
immediately described the declaration of Tinubu to contest the Presidency in
2023 as against the rules of natural justice as unfortunate, insisting that it
was the turn of the South-East to occupy the exalted office in Aso Rock.
Also, Peoples Democratic Party stalwart, Chief Bode George,
described the presidential ambition Tinubu, as a huge joke.
But speaking with our correspondent, Adebanjo said, “He
(Tinubu) has the constitutional right to contest for President just like
anybody, there is no big deal in that.”
When asked whether Afenifere would be backing Tinubu,
Adebanjo said, “I am not commenting on any candidature now. I am not
recommending any candidature under this constitution until it is changed.
“I don’t believe in any election without changing the
constitution so there is no point commenting on the candidates.”
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