Tunde Odesola and Leke Baiyewu

Following the simmering crisis in the All Progressives Congress, the National Leader of the party, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, has started reaching out to his former political foes in the South-West in order to consolidate his influence in the region.

The multi-layered crisis in the ruling party is threatening the erstwhile chummy relationship between Tinubu and President Muhammadu Buhari.

The crisis in the ruling party started before the 2015 general elections but became full-blown after Buhari was sworn in as president. There has been discontent within the Tinubu camp. Sources said that members of the group and their principal were not happy with what they saw as attempts by the party leadership and the presidency to diminish Tinubu’s premium contributions to Buhari’s emergence as president and undermine the former Lagos State governor’s leadership in his South-West power base.

But SUNDAY PUNCH learnt over the weekend that some of Buhari’s closest associates have been pushing back by telling those who are close to Tinubu that Nigeria cannot have a ‘co-presidency.’

Although the two leaders had tried futilely to keep the frosty relationship away from public knowledge, things came to a head a few days ago when Tinubu wrote an open letter lambasting the National Chairman of the APC, Chief John Odigie-Oyegun, who is believed to enjoy the support of the president.

Tinubu, who faulted the way the party’s governorship primary was held in Ondo State, accused Odigie-Oyegun of conducting a fraudulent primary and he asked the former Edo State governor to resign as the national chairman of the party.

After the letter was published, Oyegun refrained from responding to Tinubu. But he later visited President Buhari in Aso Rock and photographs of the duo laughing and sharing banters was made public. Shortly thereafter, Oyegun replied Tinubu and described the latter’s open letter as ‘reckless.’
Tinubu’s harsh denunciation of the party chairman has been widely interpreted as a direct protest against Buhari. In private, Tinubu’s loyalists are complaining that his political capital is being eroded by the hostile actions of the president’s men and the inactions of the president.

Tinubu’s loyalists in the South-West have listed Buhari’s hostile actions against the APC national leader to include the exclusion of his candidates from Buhari’s final ministerial list, the gang-up against his candidate in the Kogi governorship election, James Faleke, who was the late Audu Abubakar’s running mate; and the alleged fraud against his candidate in the Ondo governorship primary, Olusegun Abraham.

Until the recent crisis, the party had successfully managed the growing discontent within its leadership as insinuations were rife that some of Buhari’s closest political associates had perfected a plan to destroy Tinubu politically.

But pro-Tinubu elements within the party and other sympathisers have vowed to resist any attempt to humiliate Tinubu.

Some of Tinubu’s close associates spoke to SUNDAY PUNCH but pleaded anonymity because of possible reprisal.

A chieftain of the party in Osun State, said, “This is the beginning of the end of the APC. The party will shatter into smithereens. We are ready for them. They are going nowhere.

“We know the political leader of the South-West and that person is unmistakably Asiwaju Bola Tinubu. They are envious of Tinubu’s achievements, but they don’t have Tinubu’s clout. None of those scrambling to wear Tinubu’s shoes have the clout to do so. These ingrates are the people that have benefitted immensely from Tinubu’s large-heartedness. Now, they are stabbing him in the back. We are in the South-West together, we shall see.”

Speaking in a telephone interview with one of our correspondents on Friday, Ekiti State Governor, Ayodele Fayose, said he would not hesitate to fight against any anti-Yoruba policy by the Buhari-led administration. He said he would team up with like-minded leaders in the South-West to resist attacks on any of the region’s political leaders. Fayose said, “I will resist any policy that is formulated by the Buhari administration against the interests of the Yoruba. Some people may say it is too early to criticise them now, so, we are watching.

“We will keep our fingers crossed and our gunpowder dry. We won’t be hasty in our condemnation; when you put water on fire, you wait for it to boil. We don’t want it to appear as if we are looking for an opportunity to nail them. Let them continue their governance, we are watching.”

A pro-Tinubu stalwart in the ruling party also told one of our correspondents that the plot to ridicule Tinubu and reduce his standing in the South-West had “already failed.”

Another top APC leader in the South-West told SUNDAY PUNCH that apart from trying to destroy his political structures, many in Tinubu’s camp believe that one of the ways the national leader’s opponents would attack him is to go after his business interests and associates.

“We won’t be surprised if the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission wakes up tomorrow to say they are probing Tinubu or his associates. They may even send the Department of State Services after him because that is the step the Buhari government has taken against all their perceived enemies. Asiwaju knows that they may come for him.”

Similarly, a chieftain of the party said in a telephone interview on Friday that a former Governor of Osun State, Chief Bisi Akande, had warned Tinubu against the alliance with the North.

The chieftain said, “Baba Akande didn’t like the idea of teaming up with the North. He had advised that the APC should concentrate on the South-West and seek ways to develop it massively.

“But the emerging political scenario at the time made the possibility of the Yoruba coming into the mainstream of Nigeria’s politics a reality. Baba Akande was of the opinion that we should not participate in
governance at the centre.”

A party source, who said he was privy to the earliest events that signaled trouble for Tinubu, added that the president had assured Tinubu that he would be shown the list of ministers before it would be made public so that the latter could have his own input. He added that the president, however, sent a copy of the list to Tinubu and the Senate President, Bukola Saraki, at the same time.

“By sending the list to Asiwaju and Saraki at the same time, Buhari subtly undermined the promise he made to Tinubu because he knew that with the copy of the ministerial list in Saraki’s hands, there was no way Tinubu could make any input into the list.”

A chieftain of the APC in Ondo also explained that Tinubu was deliberately undermined in the Ondo governorship primary with Abuja’s backing of Mr. Rotimi Akeredolu (SAN), who emerged the winner of the primary.

It was gathered that Tinubu had reached out to prominent Yoruba leaders, such as Chief Ayo Adebanjo, Chief Mojisoluwa Akinfenwa, Chief Olanihun Ajayi, among others, in the bid to reposition himself and the South-West.

Also, it was gathered that an attempt at rapprochement was ongoing between Tinubu and the Ondo State Governor, Dr. Olusegun Mimiko.

It was learnt that some Yoruba leaders had volunteered to broker a truce between Tinubu and Mimiko as the echoes of their disagreement during the countdown to Mimiko’s re-election is still fresh.

Osun State Governor, Rauf Aregbesola, a staunch Tinubu loyalist, is said to be the arrowhead of the move to reconcile Tinubu and Mimiko.

A top member of the APC, who is in the know of the developments, told SUNDAY PUNCH that it was public knowledge that Tinubu had been sidelined at the national level.

The source said, “Those leading the rebellion against Tinubu are politicians who lost their wards and constituencies in elections, even when they were governors. His loyalists are not in government, despite the contributions of Asiwaju to the 2015 electoral victory. Asiwaju has realised that they are ready to go to war with him so he is consolidating. This is not a time to hold on to past wounds and we are glad Yoruba elders who were critical of Tinubu before are rallying round him because they understand that this is a South-West matter. It is beyond our national leader.

“The elders have held several meetings with him and they are realigning. Don’t forget what Pa Ayo Adebanjo said; he said any insult to Asiwaju is an insult to the Yoruba race and Adebanjo is not known to be flippant in his choice of words.”

Also, a former leader of the Yoruba socio-political group, Afenifere, told our correspondent in confidence that Tinubu had reconciled with some Yoruba leaders. He said the former Governor of Lagos State now needed the leaders in the ongoing political realignments in the South-West.

The source said, “I am aware that they (leaders) have held meetings. One of such meetings was held in Asiwaju’s home. The 2015 electioneering was a solo game for Tinubu. The Yoruba leaders did not agree with him on the formation of the APC and the choice of the presidential candidate (Buhari). Now that the game is turning against him (Tinubu), he has to manoeuvre. However, I’m not sure that all the people he is realigning with can help him.”

Another Yoruba leader confirmed that some Yoruba leaders, who were opposed to Tinubu up till the 2015 elections, had been holding meetings with him lately.

The ex-Afenifere chieftain said, “The whole thing is shocking to some of us. How come those who knew all Tinubu did to them politically have suddenly made a U-turn in an attempt to save him from the onslaught on him in the APC?”

A founding member of the Obafemi Awolowo-led Yoruba socio-political organisation, Sir Olaniwun Ajayi, confirmed to SUNDAY PUNCH that the leaders of the region met with Tinubu recently. He stated that the meeting was to reconcile all political divides in the South-West and chart a common course for the Yoruba race.

The nonagerian had in an earlier interview with SUNDAY PUNCH strongly criticised Tinubu and other governors of the Alliance for Democracy, a party founded by Afenifere leaders, alleging that the governors dumped the AD after gaining power and went ahead to form the Action Congress. He further alleged that the same group of governors, led by Tinubu, destabilised Afenifere for political reasons.

Speaking to our correspondent on Friday, Olaniwun said, “Yes, we had a meeting with him in the recent past. Yes, the meeting was about the Yoruba coming together for the benefit of the Yoruba nation. We have for long been on our separate ways, which is not good for the Yoruba nation. We went to him and the Governor of Lagos State (Akinwunmi Ambode); we met the two of them together. We decided to see (meet with) the former governors and the current governors.”

When asked if Afenifere leaders had forgiven Tinubu, whom they had always accused of leading the rebellion against the group, the elder statesman said, “He has not offended me, if you are referring to me as a person.”

Olaniwun denied that the reconciliation was to protect Tinubu politically.

http://punchng.com/tinubu-makes-peace-former-political-foes/

The silent movement of a lion is not cowardice. Tinubu obviously has a plan B for his so called enemies. He has won several political battles and i trust him to come out victorious on this one. We will put an end to this born to rule caliphate in 2019 by aligning with our southern brothers. A united south can defeat the north any day. I trust Tinubu to come up with a contigent plan by 2019. GEJ dared him and today he is in otueke. Buhari should thread carefully

Tinubu can't be humiliate

I know no one reign forever

But won't condone that for now

Children of hate and anger will soon troop in now

It's pure envies just because tinubu buried there hero

Politically

Since his friends have betrayed him, he needs his hitherto political foes to fight them back.

Tinubi needs to choose his friends carefully this time before some power hungry politicians ride on his back to power and shove him aside again.

All the best to the Jagaban as he fights back the men who want him hanged by the neck.

bejeiodus:
Since his friends have betrayed him, he needs his hitherto political foes to fight them back.

Tinubi needs to choose his friends carefully this time before some power hungry politicians ride on his back to power and shove him aside again.

All the best to the Jagaban as he fights back the men who want him hanged by the neck.

On point

Time for me to do it right mumuhadu buhahaha must go

Tinubu should just quit politics,havent he influenced nd done alot politically already in this country

Tinubu will take over South East politics come 2019 at this rate, to fill the vacuum of a political leader for the region.

Rochas & Obiano watch out.

***Modified***

For those expressing puzzlement at my statement; it's simple.

As the East lacks a central political figure, Tinubu will have to take that place in order for the region to regain political relevance in 2019 and that possibility is getting stronger with the current permutations of a southern political bloc...except of course a heavy realignment occurs and the East takes Osibanjo's position in readiness for a 2023 eastern presidency.

The plot thickens.

Taeewo:
Tunde Odesola and Leke Baiyewu

But SUNDAY PUNCH learnt over the weekend that some of Buhari’s closest associates have been pushing back by telling those who are close to Tinubu that Nigeria cannot have a ‘co-presidency.’

But pro-Tinubu elements within the party and other sympathisers have vowed to resist any attempt to humiliate Tinubu.

A chieftain of the party in Osun State, said, “This is the beginning of the end of the APC. The party will shatter into smithereens. We are ready for them. They are going nowhere.

A pro-Tinubu stalwart in the ruling party also told one of our correspondents that the plot to ridicule Tinubu and reduce his standing in the South-West had “already failed.”

Another top APC leader in the South-West told SUNDAY PUNCH that apart from trying to destroy his political structures, many in Tinubu’s camp believe that one of the ways the national leader’s opponents would attack him is to go after his business interests and associates.

“We won’t be surprised if the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission wakes up tomorrow to say they are probing Tinubu or his associates. They may even send the Department of State Services after him because that is the step the Buhari government has taken against all their perceived enemies. Asiwaju knows that they may come for him.”

Similarly, a chieftain of the party said in a telephone interview on Friday that a former Governor of Osun State, Chief Bisi Akande, had warned Tinubu against the alliance with the North.

The chieftain said, “Baba Akande didn’t like the idea of teaming up with the North. He had advised that the APC should concentrate on the South-West and seek ways to develop it massively

http://punchng.com/tinubu-makes-peace-former-political-foes/

The game is getting more interesting.

EHMIR:
Tinubu should just quit politics,havent he influenced nd done alot politically already in this country

Hmmm

Bros is that the summary of what you read above ?

Rubbish

All these aprokos from Aribisala to FFK to this writer, having perpetual erection, drooling over the prospect of Jagaban going head to head with Baba should go cultivate Ugwu somewhere if they don't have better jobs to do.

Jagaban has been single-handedly picking, fighting, and winning his battles and certainly doesn't need their whining to do so.

When Jagaban decides it is time to strike, he would strike and we'd all hear about it. For now, he's chosen to remain quiet and plan, waiting for the propitious moment to do what he does best- play ruthless politics!

Make una all go find better work do abeg, and leave the sage alone.

Na him sabi........

sarrki:
Tinubu can't be humiliate

I know no one reign forever

But won't condone that for now

Children of hate and anger will soon troop in now

It's pure envies just because tinubu buried there hero

Politically

How old are you? Why spewing hatred all the time? I'm from Warri and my son is Yoruba. Can't you rally others for a common goal? Who hates the Yoruba's you think? This comment of yours is pathetic. I supported Tinubu and Buhari during the 2015 Election, I was up all night in N.Y counting the votes as they were being announced by INEC viz Channel's TV Online. This hatred I log on to Nairaland and read everyday, needs to stop and it begins with you.

True talk.
Tinubu has been relegated to the background like seriously. Buhari is a selfish leader. Now we shall know if he truly won the 2015 elections all by himself come 2019.

POLITICS THEY SAY IS A GAME OF INTERESTS, THERE ARE NO PERMANENT FRIENDS OR FOES. AND THEIR DECISIONS AFFECTS THE POLICIES THAT GOVERN THE PEOPLE.

ojdollars:



How old are you? Why spewing hatred all the time? I'm from Warri and my son is Yoruba. Can't you rally others for a common goal? Who hates the Yoruba's you think? This comment of yours is pathetic. I supported Tinubu and Buhari during the 2015 Election, I was up all night in N.Y counting the votes as they were being announced by INEC viz Channel's TV Online. This hatred I log on to Nairaland and read everyday, needs to stop and it begins with you.

I said children of hate and anger

Not referring to a particular tribe

With your definition you are not one of the two

So move on bro

ojdollars:



How old are you? Why spewing hatred all the time? I'm from Warri and my son is Yoruba. Can't you rally others for a common goal? Who hates the Yoruba's you think? This comment of yours is pathetic. I supported Tinubu and Buhari during the 2015 Election, I was up all night in N.Y counting the votes as they were being announced by INEC viz Channel's TV Online. This hatred I log on to Nairaland and read everyday, needs to stop and it begins with you.

It is unfortunate, bro. I have been on this thread watching and waiting to comment but the Kain tribalism being exhibited by these ignorant dudes wouldn't allow a sane person to comment.

I have seen three threads like this only this morning.

It's really a shame.

Tinubu is super crafty but national politics is something far complex, brutal and lethal


The abuja power brokers are on a planned attack to cut Tinubu to size and I won't be surprised if they Rig aketi in to sound it clear who is boss

Tinubu somewhat fell for Buhari"s antics of being apolitical, who would give him free hand to cart away the spoils of victory; but buhari like a cunny fox played along and now when no when expected attacks systematically.

Tinubu's latest reaction to Saraki"s major release from the court wahala, which was pursued deliberately by the Abuja tink tank to pacify Tinubu, has no effect on these ruthless mafia


The trust is lost; these are mind games. They expect tinubu to read the signs that he can't be in abuja what he is in Lagos and Osun


Tinubu's best place is with this alliance with the North, as the SS/SE won't be in a hurry to team up with him even of he offers to join the chorus for resource control...though tempting they would rather Tinubu to deal with the proverbial lizards that come visiting after he brought home ant-infested gays

Jagaban..from state to federal..back to state...
Buhari don really humble jagaban..guess his plan b is to play opposition..cos no more federal.. they've retire tinubu to his base.

But nawao..
Why Yourba's just d blab anyhow on their cards..
We never hear hausa/fulani's political plan or anything as relate to the political situation in apc..all of the just lock up..even lawal..tinubu's man.
Even tinubu's matter..na so dem silently seal am..jagaban himself no see am come..
Na why he burst..matter shock am..

My point be say..politics are not being discussed on the pages of papers..the west should understand that..
For every political move the make..the north is 10 time ahead.
Not jokes...

There is fire on the mountain. The presidency and the north will now move on to phase 2 of their plan. The bitter truth is in Nigeria politics,the president holds the aces .

Good

Yes it's gud wat is hapnin 2 tifnubu now am enjoying it dis 2 tel u dat buhari is a snake betrayal who is not intrested in d progres unity n peace of Nigeria only intrested in power

The game is indeed getting more interesting. But Tinubu shiuld becareful. Buhari i know can throw him in jail. Mark my words.

Too late. You can't be the leader forever. You too betrayed many of your leaders so enjoy the goodies of betraying. So funny Tinubu as sharp as I thought he was didn't see this coming when majority of the yoruba race already saw it since two years ago.

Ttt

Tinubu onye ara

National politics has destroyed him. I am sure he would have wished to remain in lagos and keep pulling the strings in the SW, and nobody would have cared.
But his butterfly thought itself a bird. He is a smart man though and given the subservient nature of his people, I am sure he would regain all his regional status with time. He should forget trying to control national politics though. That would be his waterloo.

gunuvi:
Too late. You can't be the leader forever. You too betrayed many of your leaders so enjoy the goodies of betraying. So funny Tinubu as sharp as I thought he was didn't see this coming when majority of the yoruba race already saw it since two years ago.

Tinubu got what he deserve,.this is payback time for those he has betrayed,

he has for long betrayed the intresst of yoruba race for his selfish interest....I don't pity him.

patriotic9jaboy:
The silent movement of a lion is not cowardice. Tinubu obviously has a plan B for his so called enemies. He has won several political battles and i trust him to come out victorious on this one. We will put an end to this born to rule caliphate in 2019 by aligning with our southern brothers.[b] A united south [/b]can defeat the north any day. I trust Tinubu to come up with a contigent plan by 2019. GEJ dared him and today he is in otueke. Buhari should thread carefully

Which united South. You must be Dreaming. the SS/SE will never work with SW. We will rather work with the North. In fact, Nigeria really belongs to the East+North.
When the colonialists were leaving, they balanced power by giving the President to Azikiwe; PM to Tafawa Balewa, Army GOC to Ironsi.
The SW were never in national politics, they were regional players and social critics. The balance of power was altered due to the coup and war. The East lost out and the SW took its place. This explains why the SW were very mad at Jonathan for resurrecting the East. They were hoping to retain the North+West balance of power; hence their 2015 betrayal of the South. Unfortunately and judging from History, Yorubas have never lasted at the centre. They cannot match the North, mind for mind. Only the Easterners can and the Northerners know this.

Thus, there will be no Southern alliance in 2019. The North will destroy the West as always and they will return to the East. The North+ East balance of power will be Restored PERMANENTLY and the SW will live in eternal regret. They have the media and mouth-power to continue their role as social critics.

sarrki:


Hmmm

Bros is that the summary of what you read above ?

thats my opinion.


He will be better off as an elder stateman,instead of this partisan poltics