The Ondo State Governor, Rotimi Akeredolu, said yesterday the decision of the apex Yoruba socio-political organisation, Afenifere, to support the Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, in the 2023 general elections did not reflect the wishes of the people in the South-West.

The leader of Afenifere, Ayo Adebanjo, had said last month the group would support the former Anambra State governor next year in the interest of justice and equity.

He added that the South-East had been marginalised for more than 40 years in the quest to produce the country’s president.

Akeredolu spoke during a Twitter space session anchored from Akure, the Ondo State capital.

He said: “Afenifere is divided in respect of the purported endorsement and the group’s views do not represent the stance of the Yoruba people.

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“Asiwaju has deep knowledge about the problems of this nation. He has been part of the struggle to ensure that democracy is enthroned and that a true federal system runs in the country.”

He recalled that the All Progressives Congress (APC) presidential candidate, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, was one of the founders of the National Democratic Coalition (NADECO) that fought for the return of democratic rule in
the mid-90s.

He also urged Nigerians to focus on competence in the selection of leaders.

The governor added: “There are lots of discussions about the Muslim/Muslim ticket. And some of us have tried to explain to our people. The ticket itself cannot be the issue.

“The main issue is who will serve the country.When you talk about the issue of tickets, you also want to talk about the issue of inclusivism. Should the presidency go back to the north? No!