Chief Adebanjo and Mr Peter Obi on stage in Abeokuta
The leader of pan-Yoruba socio-political group, Afenifere, Chief Ayo Adebanjo on Saturday, joined Labour Party (LP) presidential candidate, Peter Obi in Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital to woo voters for Mr. Obi.
He predicted that more suffering awaits Nigerians if Obi doesn’t win the February 25 presidential poll. He therefore urged voters to cast their ballot for the emergence of Peter Obi as President, which he said provides the surest pathway to redemption for Nigeria.
The 94-year-old Adebanjo who was at the rally held at the Ake Palace Ground in the state capital alongside another Afenifere chieftain, Chief Femi Okunrounmu, amongst others, charged the electorate not to stay away from the polls on election day, saying, “don’t let them cheat us”.
He said in Yoruba: “Ensure you vote, don’t let them cheat us. What is on the ground is not about Ayo Adebanjo. No matter what happens, I can’t be affected. I am expecting God to call me home. Enormous suffering awaits us if we don’t vote in Obi.”
In his remark at the rally, Obi assured the people of a new Nigeria built on rule of law, fundamental human rights, probity and accountability if elected president.
Mr Obi flanked by running mate, Datti Baba-Ahmed and other party big wigs, promised to fight insecurity and poverty as well as reflate the economy.
Mr Peter Obi said: “Help us to build a new Nigeria by lifting people out of poverty, by moving Nigeria from consumption to production.
“We want a Nigeria if students go to the university, four years will be four years, no more ASUU strike. We want a Nigeria where Nigerian youths will have jobs; that is the Nigeria we want.
“This election, let nobody tell you about tribe. Every tribe is hungry. No tribe buys bread cheaper. Let nobody tell you about religion; no religion buys bread cheaper – every tribe, every religion is suffering.”
And as part of his visit to the ancient city, Mr. Obi and his entourage were guests of the Alake and paramount ruler of Egbaland, Oba Aremu Gbadebo where he sought royal blessings.
