The former governor of the State of Osun and former president of the Congress of all progressives (APC), Chief Bisi Akande, has revealed that President Bola Tinubu was initially reluctant to run for a position, stating that he had to persuade him to dispute the presidency.
Speaking about state affairs, a podcast organized by journalist Edmund Obilo, Akande revealed that Tinubu resisted discussions about the presidency and even fought with those who mentioned the issue.
“I instigated it. I encouraged it. I worked for it. Someone called me 'come ooo, there are problems'. And he was in Lagos, they told anyone who talks about the presidency, he was arguing with them. That anyone who mentioned the presidency was arguing with them. And then I met him, and he said 'Baba, do you have money?' If I had the type of money that people need to be president, I would qualify for me. He told me that. Shortly before Covid and Endsars. “
Also read: Tinubu ignored Nigerian policy before becoming president – Bisi Akande
Akande also explained that his insistence was not about Tinubu personally, but to ensure the presidency of the Yoruba people.
“That is what he told me. And I said 'Look, we don't want you to be president for you. You are not important in this matter. But that in your Yoruba tradition, when you want to worship the deity, you take the fattest animal or the largest YAM to worship the deity.
“'Yoruba wants to be president. And you are the one we have now. It is to sacrifice you, so that we can have president. Not for you to be anything.
“I didn't know what to say. He was just looking at me as if he were sick or something. I was simply sober. “
According to the major statesman, Tinubu also expressed his concern for his health at that time.
“And asked questions: 'Baba, now you said that I should run, and my leg? You know, arthritis. Then I said and do it, there is still time. Go and do it, you would heal in six months and you will start walking again. And you can run.
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