Key Takeaways
- Alhaji Tanko Yakasai, a revered elder statesman, publicly endorsed President Bola Tinubu for the 2027 presidential election.
- Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke declared his readiness to lead Tinubu's re-election campaign, predicting victory.
- Both figures spoke at the All Progressives Congress (APC) Presidential Campaign Council inauguration in Abuja.
- Adeleke urged Nigerians to be patient with Tinubu's ongoing economic reforms, acknowledging their initial challenges.
In a significant show of early political momentum, prominent elder statesman Alhaji Tanko Yakasai and Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke have publicly endorsed President Bola Tinubu's bid for re-election in the 2027 presidential polls. Their declarations came during the inauguration of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Presidential Campaign Council in Abuja, signaling a unified front as the political landscape begins to shift towards the next general election.
Yakasai's Endorsement: A Voice of Experience
Alhaji Tanko Yakasai, a nonagenarian born in 1925, graced the APC gathering, expressing profound gratitude to President Tinubu and the party leadership for the invitation. His presence, he noted, provided a cherished opportunity to reconnect with long-standing friends and political associates. Addressing the council, Yakasai conveyed his heartfelt best wishes to President Tinubu, explicitly wishing him "success in the coming election."
The revered elder statesman, whose political career spans decades, also offered thanks for his longevity and the chance to speak at such a pivotal event. He acknowledged his unique position, stating, "I know that at the moment, being born in 1925, I don't have anybody that I can call my age-mate among you here." His endorsement, coming from a figure with deep historical roots in Nigerian politics, carries considerable weight and signifies a broad appeal for the incumbent administration.
Governor Adeleke's Pledge: Leading the Charge
Adding further impetus to the early campaign, Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke, known for his charismatic public persona, also spoke passionately at the inauguration. Governor Adeleke, who has recently shown alignment with the APC despite his traditional party affiliations, exuded confidence, declaring that he could already "feel victory coming for President Bola Tinubu in the 2027 election." He unequivocally stated his readiness to lead the campaign movement, promising an unstoppable force.
Adeleke, famous for his vibrant dancing at public events, assured supporters that the campaign would be marked by "singing and dancing" as they celebrate their way back to Aso Rock. Beyond the celebratory tone, the governor also made a crucial appeal to Nigerians, urging them to grant the president more time for his ongoing reforms to yield positive results. He candidly admitted that the policies implemented thus far "have not been easy\