Adebayo Adenrele
Former Minister of works and one of the major promoters of Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Senator Dayo Adeyeye has described the defection of Peter Obi and Rabiu Mustapha Kwankwaso from People’s Democratic Party (PDP) to contest for presidency under different political parties as an advantage for Tinubu to win the Presidential election.
Adeyeye, who is also the National Chairman of Southwest Agenda for Asiwaju 2023 Presidency (SWAGA), stated that their separation from the Presidential standard-bearer of PDP, Atiku Abubakar, has shrank his chances, thereby giving an edge for the All Progressives Congress (APC) at the polls.
Adeyeye shown optimism that Tinubu has a strong Political network across the country to defeat Atiku and other opponents without going into a run-off.
Speaking on the rumoured meeting of Tinubu and Governor Nyesom Wike of Rivers State overseas, he noted that the move would further brighten his chances to clinch the presidency.
In his words, “You could all remember that the PDP lost in 2015 presidential poll to President Muhammadu Buhari because five governors defected to the newly formed APC. And if you look at the strength by adding five governors to the then APC, the two parties were nearly of equal strength and that affected the ruling party.”
“So in the coming election, the same scenario is playing out. About four months ago, Atiku, Obi and Kwankwaso belonged to the same party. So, Obi and Kwankwaso, who are now in LP and NNPP will divide the votes that are supposed to be for Atiku in the coming election.”
“But if you look at the APC, the party is intact and strong behind Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu. Though, some few people had defected and I think that affected all the major parties. If you look at the two main parties, you will realise that APC is the one that is more cohesive, stable and intact.”
“Tinubu has the network and strong political structures to amass 25% of votes in two/third of the 36 states. There won’t be any need for any run- off, because the APC has a strong candidate that can deliver.”
“Governor Wike had always insisted that power must rotate between the North and the South for justice and equity. So, if he supports us, it means he wants to be party of the struggle to ensure political balancing between the North and the South and that will be good for APC.”
