A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Osun State, Olatunbosun Oyintiloye, has urged political and traditional leaders across Southern Nigeria to unite in support of President Bola Tinubu.
He warned that a small group of northern political elites is trying to undermine Tinubu’s chances of winning a second term in 2027.
He revealed this while speaking to journalists on Sunday in Osogbo.
Oyintiloye said the country had witnessed similar situations in the past, where Southern presidents faced strong resistance from a few influential figures in the North whenever they sought re-election.
“This has happened before. Southern presidents have often faced intimidation from a very small group in the North during their second-term campaigns. They use blackmail, misinformation, and other tactics to weaken the president and create tension.”
He argued that President Tinubu had built strong ties with the North over the years and supported its political causes.
According to him, President Tinubu does not deserve such treatment.
“The time has come for Southern leaders to work together and ensure that this handful of individuals is ignored,” Oyintiloye said.
“They are self-appointed leaders of the North, and genuine political leaders and respected royal fathers from that region should not allow their actions to divide the country.”
He appealed to prominent Southern traditional rulers, including the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi; Obi of Obinugwu, Cletus Illomuanya; King Jaja of Opobo, Dandeson Jaja; and the Dein of Agbor, Benjamin Ikenchuku Keagborekuzi I, to lead grassroots mobilisation in support of the president.
“These royal fathers have the influence and respect to counter divisive narratives. They should also work with respected northern leaders to build unity so that the president can complete two terms in office.”
Oyintiloye also urged elder statesmen such as former Presidents Olusegun Obasanjo and Goodluck Jonathan, Nobel laureate Wole Soyinka, and former Senate President Ken Nnamani to speak out against any attempt to undermine Tinubu’s re-election bid.
