Former Ogun State Governor, Chief Olusegun Osoba, has called on Nigerians to rally behind President Bola Tinubu, noting that his ascent to the presidency was a product of collective efforts by Yoruba leaders, rather than an individual accomplishment. Osoba made the remarks during the All Progressives Congress (APC) South West Zone Assembly meeting, held at Eko Hotels and Suites, Lagos.
In a widely shared post on the X platform on Sunday, Osoba reflected on the pivotal role that South West political leaders played in Tinubu’s political rise. He emphasized the strategic decision taken in 2007 by key figures in the region to push Tinubu from state-level politics in Lagos to the national political stage.
“Bola didn’t make himself the President of Nigeria; we did,” Osoba remarked during the meeting. He recounted how, after Tinubu completed his tenure as governor of Lagos State in 2007, South West leaders, under the guidance of Alhaji Hamsa, collectively resolved to elevate Tinubu to national prominence.
“Seventeen years ago, after his tenure as Lagos governor, we gathered at a luncheon organized by Alhaji Hamsa, who was our leader in the South West at the time. It was at that meeting we decided that Bola should transition from Lagos politics to the national stage, to represent the interests of the Yoruba people at the highest level,” Osoba explained.
The former governor also reflected on the political challenges the Yoruba people have historically faced, citing previous failed attempts to secure the presidency. He highlighted the efforts behind the campaigns of Chief Obafemi Awolowo and MKO Abiola, both of whom were denied the chance to lead the country.
“Many of us worked hard to support Chief Obafemi Awolowo’s quest for the presidency, but he wasn’t allowed to get there,” Osoba continued. “We also rallied behind MKO Abiola’s ambition, but we lost him, and with him, the opportunity. Many of us were killed because of our mission to make this country better, but we thank God some of us are still alive to witness Tinubu’s success.”
Osoba urged the Yoruba community and Nigerians at large to support Tinubu’s leadership, despite any perceived shortcomings. He expressed confidence in Tinubu’s ability to improve and deliver on his promises during his tenure, reassuring the assembly that the president will serve another term.
“Now that Bola Tinubu is in office, 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 stated.
