Ibadan: The Southwest APC Mandate Group has renewed its appeal to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, insisting that Prince Kola Asatola Asanike’s decades of loyalty and sacrifice to the All Progressives Congress deserve formal recognition. According to the group, honouring Asanike’s steadfast commitment would not only reward his leadership but also inspire deeper adherence to the party’s core values.
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 contributions to the party since the National Democratic Coalition (NADECO) era and the 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 efforts with Southwest leaders, including visits to Chief Segun Osoba and Chief Biyi Durojaye, to advocate for Tinubu’s presidency and Yoruba leadership.
The group reiterated the good role played in the Next Level, Next Prosperity Movement, led by Barr. Oladipupo Oladosu. At the build-up to Asiwaju’s selection for the presidency, the Next Level, Next Prosperity Movement, NNPM, Asanike worked tirelessly on mobilisation through various meetings and challenges to demonstrate his personal and unconditional commitment to Asiwaju’s presidential aspiration.
“He went through thick and deep with other eminent Yoruba leaders in the NNPM, meeting critical stakeholders such as Baba Bisi Akande, Chief Osoba, Senator Olabiyi Durojaye and some others who included notable women in the Southwest. Asanike committed his faith to the sojourn without looking back. We cannot forget about the meeting which the NNPM held with Seyi Tinubu and the brilliant contribution from Asanike, which brought a new direction of struggle to the conversation on that day.”
“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, indicating that his degree of merit has escalated, recognising him as 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 believes that recognising Prince Asanike’s loyalty and sacrifice will honour his efforts and inspire other party stalwarts.
“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.
