The leader of the Yoruba socio-political group, Afenifere, Pa Reuben Fasoranti, has spoken out against Chief Ayo Adebanjo’s claim that the presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Peter Obi, won the February 25 presidential election. Fasoranti stated that any decision outside the declaration made by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) is illegal. “It is Illegal to Say Obi Won the Election” – Pa Ruben Fasoranti Tells Ayo Adebanjo.
Adebanjo had declared his support for Peter Obi while Fasoranti backed Bola Tinubu of the All Progressives Congress during the 2023 presidential election. After INEC’s announcement of Tinubu as the President-elect, Adebanjo alleged that Obi won the presidential poll.
Fasoranti insisted that the organization and the entire world acknowledge that Nigeria now has a President-elect in the person of Bola Tinubu, describing him as a true Yoruba son and national. He also criticized the alleged suspension of the National Publicity Secretary, Comrade Jare Ajayi, and the National Organizing Secretary of the organization, Abagun Kole Omololu, over their position on a recent comment by a chieftain of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu. “It is Illegal to Say Obi Won the Election” – Pa Ruben Fasoranti Tells Ayo Adebanjo.
Fasoranti wondered why the two were pronounced guilty and consequently sanctioned even before their appearance before a disciplinary committee. He stated that Adebanjo’s claim that Obi won the February 25 election and thus, support his decision challenging the contrary declaration by INEC was alien to Afenifere, which did not conduct itself as an agent of the state, let alone as an electoral umpire.
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In conclusion, Fasoranti emphasized that Afenifere is a law-abiding organization, and any decision made outside the declaration by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) is illegal. He urged the public to only accept results declared by the INEC.
