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The National President, Yoruba Patriots Movement (YPM), Chief Oladipo Oladosu, has said competence, rather than religion should should be the determining factor in electing Nigeria’s president in the 2023 election.
Speaking with newsmen in Ibadan over the weekend, Oladosu said the ruling All Progressives Congress’ same faith ticket shouldn’t have generated any controversy, saying Nigerians will decide on February 25, 2023, if they want to go with competence or tow religious line.
Oladosu, who is also the Coordinator, Yoruba Next Level 2023 Forum, said politicians will always want to use mandane things such as religion and ethnicity to their own advantage.
“Politics is full of intrigues, opposition are just using religion to bring Tinubu down for their own personal gain, against the development of the nation. Nigeria’s constitution is clear, it doesn’t matter whether you are a Christian, Muslim, or Pagan. What matters most is the capability of who becomes president of the country.
“And Nigerians will decide on February 25th next year if they want competence; someone that can move the country forward, that can drive the economy, or if they want to tow the religious line,” he said.
Oladosu explained that he is supporting the ambition of the APC presidential candidate, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, because he has demonstrated the capability of a transformational leader as Lagos State Governor unlike his opponents.
The APC chieftain also faulted Chief Ayo Adebanjo, the factional leader of the Yoruba Socio-cultural organisation, Afenifere, for endorsing the Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi.
He stated that the endorsement of Obi by Adebanjo was not the true representation of the Yoruba race.
Oladosu noted that Afenifere has broken into three different groups- the authentic Afenifere led by Prince Tajudeen Olusi; Afenifere Renewal Group led by Chief Wale Osun; and the Adebanjo faction.
He added that Adebanjo does not speak on behalf of all the Afenifere groups.
Oladosu also expressed confidence that Tinubu would win the 2023 presidential elections, saying “his chances are every bright.”