The Southwest APC Mandate Group has reiterated its call for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to recognise the outstanding loyalty and sacrifice of Prince Kola Asatola Asanike to the All Progressives Congress (APC) and his leadership. This, the group said, would encourage deeper commitment to the party’s tenets.
In a detailed letter to President Bola Tinubu, the group highlighted Prince Asanike’s decades-long commitment to the party and its ideals and justified awarding the Prince a reward.
According to the letter signed by the group’s Publicity Secretary, Comrade Olugbenga Bojuwomi, Asanike clearly ranks as the people’s choice among his fellow aspirants for the Oyo governorship seat.
Addressing the President in the letter, the group said, “Prince Asanike has been a stalwart supporter of your progressive ideology since the early 2000s,” emphasising Asanike’s unwavering dedication to the APC’s vision.
The group praised Asanike’s work for the party, dating back to the NADECO era and 1999-2007 elections.
“During the NADECO days, Asanike led the Southwest wing of the advocacy of the Anti-Military Campaign to join in chasing out the military regime of President Ibrahim Babangida in the frenzied struggle to install Chief MKO Abiola as the president, having won the June 12 presidential election.”
“Of particular note was Prince Asanike’s instrumental role in securing the freedom of party members incarcerated in Kuje prison in 2014 by the Goodluck Jonathan administration for supporting Tinubu. Aaanike mobilised resources and lawyers to support their release, demonstrating his unwavering commitment to the party and its members,” the group stated.
The group also recalled Asanike’s work with Southwest leaders, including meetings with Chief Segun Osoba and Chief Biyi Durojaye, to promote Tinubu’s presidency and the Yoruba cause.
“This demonstrates his unwavering commitment to Tinubu’s leadership and vision for Nigeria,” the group emphasised.
The letter stated that Asanike’s efforts in financing the Jagaban National Coalition, one of the support groups, in 2023 during the build-up to President Tinubu’s election were key support, indicating that his degree of merit has been recognised and that he is a staunch follower of Tinubu and a builder of democracy in Oyo State.
“He used his resources and influence to mobilise support for your presidency, demonstrating his dedication to the APC and its leadership,” the group stated.
The letter to President Tinubu emphasised the need to reward Prince Asanike’s loyalty and sacrifice, citing his key role in funding and mobilising support groups for Tinubu’s presidency, saying, “His efforts and commitment warrant consideration for public responsibility,” the group stated, urging President Tinubu to recognise Asanike’s past and present contributions to the APC.
The Southwest APC Mandate Group insists that recognising Asanike’s contributions will both honour his efforts and motivate other party stalwarts to greater loyalty.
“Asanike’s contributions to the party’s struggles are proof of his commitment to the APC’s ideals. He has been our example who shares with us the political philosophy of Your Excellency, and that’s why he and we, as a group, can be described as loyal disciples to you.”
“Acknowledging Prince Asanike’s loyalty and sacrifice will be a fitting tribute to his efforts and serve as a beacon of hope for other party stalwarts,” the group emphasised.
The letter was copied to the APC National Chairman and National Secretariat, underscoring the importance of recognising Prince Asanike’s contributions, as the group awaits President Tinubu’s consideration of their request.
In light of these developments, the Southwest APC Mandate Group is confident that Prince Asanike’s contributions will be recognised and rewarded accordingly…”because we believe his dedication to the APC and its leadership is a shining example for other party members,” Bojuwomi’s group said.
