Ekiti State Chapter of Afenifere, led by Elder Jonathan Yemi Alade and Secretary, Chief Mrs. Ronke Okusanya, has given its support for the second term aspiration of the Governor, Biodun Oyebanji.
The group has also disowned a group purporting to be members and leaders of Afenifere.
In a statement issued Tuesday and signed by its Publicity Secretary, Biodun Akin-Fasae, the state chapter of Afenifere noted the disowned group led by one Olayemi Olajuyinmi, has been claiming membership and leadership of Afenifere.
It stated that “We categorically dissociate ourselves from this group of political opportunists and charlatans”, claiming “They are not members of Afenifere, nor do they have any authority to speak on our behalf”.
Continuing, it stressed that “Their claims are baseless, and their actions are a clear attempt to hijack the good name of Afenifere for their selfish and pecuniary interests”.
It stated that the group in question is not recognized by Afenifere Ekiti State Chapter, and “They are not listed in our register, and their claims of membership and leadership are false”.
“Their actions are a blatant attempt to ride on the coat-tails of Afenifere’s reputation and goodwill”.
It further reiterated that
“Afenifere Ekiti State Chapter is firmly rooted in its philosophy and principles. We are affiliated with the All Progressives Congress, APC, and we unequivocally support the candidacy of Mr. Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji”.
“We do not have any relationship with any other political party, including the African Democratic Congress, ADC, which appears to be the platform these impostors are using to perpetuate their deceit.
The group, however, urged the public to disregard the claims of this fake group and to note that Afenifere Ekiti State Chapter will not be swayed by the antics of these political opportunists.
“We will continue to uphold our principles and values, and we will not compromise our integrity for any reason”, it stated.
We’ll soon unveil our 2027 Presidential Candidate – Gamji Heritage
A northern-based socio-cultural group, Gamji Heritage, says it will soon unveil the person to support for the 2027 presidential election.
President-General of Gamji Heritage, Ahmed Abdullahi, made the position of the group known at a news conference yesterday in Abuja.
The News Agency of Nigeria, NAN, reports that the news conference was organised to mark the 60 years and seven days of the assassination of the late Sarduna of Sokoto, Sir Ahmadu Bello and Prime Minister, Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa.
NAN also reports that Gamji Heritage, which boasts of membership across the 19 northern states, is a pressure group dedicated to preserving the legacies of Sardauna and Balewa.
Abdullahi said that the group was taking its time to collate details and data of prospective presidential aspirants and at the right time, would make its position public on its choice for the 2027 election.
“We have not taken position on who to back as presidential candidate for the 2027 election. I will tell you this is a question that will require answer from the leadership of the entire north.
“We are carrying out an appraisal on the performance of this government and at the right time, we will bring out the result.
“It is the outcome of the appraisal that will guide us on whether to support President Bola Tinubu or look elsewhere in 2027.
“However, what we can stand bold to say about this present government is that it is performing creditably well in the area of security and as a body, we applaud the government for that.
“Gamji Heritage has equally pointed other areas we want the government to put in more efforts, like the issue of the economy, infrastructure, education, agricultural programmes, students loan scheme and other programmes that impact on the livelihood of Nigerians”, he said.
Responding to questions, Abdullahi said that Sarduna’s vision in education, agriculture and other sectors were yet to be met by the present crop of northern leaders.
“The shoes left behind by these our past leaders appeared to be too big for the present set of leaders in the North to wear.
“We, however, continue to encourage them to do better, because there is room for improvement”, the president-general said.
