The Ekiti State chapter of Afenifere, the pan–Yoruba socio-political association, has dissociated itself from the reported endorsement of President Goodluck Jonathan’s re-election bid by the Afenifere, led by Chief Reuben Fasoranti.
Afenifere had hinged its support for Jonathan on his commitment to the restructuring of the country through the convocation of the National Conference last year.
But the Ekiti State chapter of the association, in a statement by its chairman, Chief Ibidapo Awojolu, in Ado Ekiti on Monday, said he was not part of the decision to endorse Jonathan for the February 14 election.
It said the purported endorsement was hastily done and merely reflected the mindset of a few leaders of the group that attended the Akure meeting with the President.
Awojolu said despite the tremendous respect the state had for Fasoranti’s leadership of the group, it differed with him on the endorsement of the President.
He said the decision of the Ekiti State chapter and a few other states that were not part of the decision would be made known shortly before the election.
He added, “For now, we are still studying the programmes of the various political parties and their candidates. Our position would be made known later.
“The February 14 presidential election is too important for the future of our dear country and its people and any decision on it could only be taken after a careful analysis of the situation on the ground coupled with extensive consultation.
“Despite our respect for Chief Fasoranti’s leadership of Afenifere, we are of the opinion that Afenifere cannot afford to lead its members and the Yoruba nation to endorse any candidate based on mere sentiments and selfish interests of a few.”
Afenifere had hinged its support for Jonathan on his commitment to the restructuring of the country through the convocation of the National Conference last year.
But the Ekiti State chapter of the association, in a statement by its chairman, Chief Ibidapo Awojolu, in Ado Ekiti on Monday, said he was not part of the decision to endorse Jonathan for the February 14 election.
It said the purported endorsement was hastily done and merely reflected the mindset of a few leaders of the group that attended the Akure meeting with the President.
Awojolu said despite the tremendous respect the state had for Fasoranti’s leadership of the group, it differed with him on the endorsement of the President.
He said the decision of the Ekiti State chapter and a few other states that were not part of the decision would be made known shortly before the election.
He added, “For now, we are still studying the programmes of the various political parties and their candidates. Our position would be made known later.
“The February 14 presidential election is too important for the future of our dear country and its people and any decision on it could only be taken after a careful analysis of the situation on the ground coupled with extensive consultation.
“Despite our respect for Chief Fasoranti’s leadership of Afenifere, we are of the opinion that Afenifere cannot afford to lead its members and the Yoruba nation to endorse any candidate based on mere sentiments and selfish interests of a few.”
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