By Abigail Philip David
Former Osun State Governor, Chief Bisi Akande, has revealed that he played a decisive role in persuading President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to contest for the presidency, despite Tinubu’s initial reluctance.
Speaking during an interview on myState Affairs with Edmund Obilo, released on Wednesday via YouTube, Akande disclosed that Tinubu initially declined the idea, citing financial constraints and personal reservations.
“When I met him, he said, ‘Baba, do you have money? If I had the kind of money required to run for president, I would rank with Dangote.’ Tinubu said he had no resources for such an ambition,” Akande recounted.
Reluctance and Convincing Appeal
According to Akande, Tinubu was resistant to suggestions about vying for the presidency, even clashing with individuals who broached the subject.
“People called me and said, ‘Come, there’s trouble. Tinubu quarrels with anyone who mentions the presidency.’ So, I traveled to Lagos to meet him,” Akande said.
To persuade Tinubu, Akande invoked Yoruba cultural traditions.
“I told him, ‘This isn’t about you. In Yoruba tradition, when worshipping a deity, you offer the best—be it the biggest yam or the fattest animal. Yoruba people want the presidency, and you are the best candidate. This is about Yoruba pride, not about you.’”
Akande recalled that Tinubu seemed stunned by this argument. “He looked at me as though I was unwell. Then he asked, ‘Baba, you think I should run? What about my leg?’” referring to health concerns. Akande reassured him, saying, “Go ahead. You’ll recover within six months.”
Challenges on the Path to the Presidency
Reflecting on Tinubu’s journey, Akande alleged that the #EndSARS protests were orchestrated to derail Tinubu’s political ambitions.
“#EndSARS was designed to end Tinubu,” Akande claimed.
When asked who was behind the protests, Akande alleged, “The Obidients engineered it. It originated from America and was brought here to stop Tinubu.” He clarified, “I didn’t say Peter Obi himself, but the Obidient movement.”
He also linked the movement’s evolution to Nigeria’s political scene, stating, “It later became a movement to form a party, but they couldn’t establish one and instead joined existing parties.”
Osinbajo’s Role and Buhari’s Stance
Akande revealed his role in nominating Vice President Yemi Osinbajo in 2011 when Tinubu was in discussions with Muhammadu Buhari over the vice-presidential slot.
“I told Tinubu, ‘I’m going to recommend Osinbajo,’ and I did,” Akande said.
However, during the APC presidential primaries, Osinbajo contested against Tinubu, a move Akande described as contrary to efforts to avoid internal conflicts among Yoruba candidates.
When asked if former President Buhari opposed Tinubu’s candidacy, Akande dismissed the idea.
“He didn’t tell me that. I asked him many questions, including whether he encouraged Osinbajo to contest against Tinubu, and he said no. He explained that in his culture, it’s disrespectful to compete with your mentor.”
A Political Evolution
Akande concluded by reflecting on Tinubu’s political journey, noting his growth from understanding Lagos and American politics to navigating Nigeria’s broader political landscape.
“He was very knowledgeable about Lagos politics and America, but he was initially ignorant about Nigeria’s politics. Now that he’s president, I don’t know how much he has learned.”
