My celebration of Tinubu not interest related — Fayose

Ayodele Fayose, the former governor of Ekiti State, has revealed his surprise at the presidential aspirations and triumph of Nigeria’s president Bola Tinubu.

Fayose, who has been an advocate for power to shift to Southern Nigeria in the upcoming 2023 presidential election, stated that he never anticipated Tinubu’s bid for the presidency neither did he his eventual victory in the polls.

During an appearance on Channels Television’s Sunday Politics program, Fayose acknowledged that he has consistently celebrated Tinubu’s birthday since 2015. However, he admitted that he had not foreseen Tinubu’s emergence as a potential candidate for Nigeria’s presidency.

Fayose, who has been vocal about his support for Tinubu as a leader in the Southwest region, emphasized that he has no regrets in championing the cause for power rotation to Southern Nigeria. He firmly believes that Tinubu’s leadership in the region is essential and has consistently expressed his admiration for the politician.

Recalling his past interactions with Tinubu, Fayose stated,

“I have never hidden in my position on Asiwaju Bola Tinubu. Let me remind you very quickly. I never knew Asiwaju would be president of Nigeria, and there was no time in 2015, 2016, 2017, and 2018 that I have not celebrated his birthday on the pages of newspapers as the then-governor of Ekiti State.”

Fayose further emphasized his confidence in Tinubu’s ability to lead, asserting,

“One of the messages I passed across at that time was that party politics notwithstanding, he will remain our leader in the West for long.”

Recently, Fayose paid a visit to Tinubu at the presidential Villa in Abuja, where he commended the politician and pledged to hold him accountable if he deviates from his promises to the Nigerian people.

The revelation from Fayose regarding Tinubu’s presidential aspirations has sparked intrigue and speculation within the political landscape pertaining to his own interest.