Okanlomo Oodua calls on Oyo voters to support Tinubu, Alli and other APC candidates
Thousands of supporters, political stakeholders, community leaders and representatives of various interest groups converged on Ilaji Hotels and Sports Resorts to celebrate the 58th birthday of Chief (Engr.) Jubril Dotun Sanusi, an occasion that also served as a platform for mobilising support for the All Progressives Congress (APC).
The gathering, organised under the banner of Tinubu Day, brought together traditional rulers, traders, artisans, labour unions, religious organisations, political associations and other supporters who expressed their backing for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Senator Sharafadeen Alli and other APC candidates in Oyo State.
Sanusi, popularly known as Okanlomo Oodua, used the occasion to urge residents of the state to make their votes count by supporting candidates he described as trustworthy, experienced and committed to fulfilling their promises.
He maintained that the electorate should carefully assess the performance and character of political leaders before deciding whom to support in future elections.
The celebrant also criticised the governor he supported during the 2023 governorship election, accusing him of betraying the confidence reposed in him.
According to Dotun Sanusi, the experience in Oyo State should serve as a warning against entrusting leadership to individuals whose performance, in his view, falls short of public expectations.
“Someone who failed in Oyo State now wants to reset Nigeria. We have seen what happened here, and we do not want a repeat of that experience at the national level,” he said.
He expressed confidence in the APC candidates, assuring the gathering that they would not disappoint the electorate if given the opportunity to serve.
“Today, we want people who will not betray the people of Oyo State. I assure you that all the APC candidates will not betray us,” Sanusi added.
Dotun Sanusi predicts increased support for Tinubu
A major highlight of the event was Sanusi’s declaration of confidence in Tinubu’s chances of securing stronger electoral support in Oyo State in the next presidential election.
Reflecting on the 2023 presidential election, he recalled that Tinubu secured approximately 60 per cent of the votes cast in the state. He predicted that the President could improve on that performance in the next contest.
“In the last election, President Tinubu got 60 per cent of the votes in Oyo State. This time, we are going to give him over 80 per cent,” he declared.
Sanusi argued that Tinubu should be given another opportunity to complete the programmes and reforms initiated by his administration.
According to him, the President’s first term had recorded achievements that, in his assessment, justified continued support from Nigerians.
“He has done well in his first term and deserves to finish the good works he has started in Nigeria,” Sanusi said.
His appeal formed a central part of the political message delivered at the gathering, with supporters encouraged to rally behind the President and other APC candidates as preparations for future elections continue.
Senator Sharafadeen Alli gets Sanusi’s endorsement
Sanusi also declared his support for Senator Sharafadeen Alli, describing the lawmaker as an experienced politician whose record and personal integrity were known to the people.
He urged voters to consider Alli’s background and experience when making their electoral decisions, expressing confidence in the senator’s ability to represent the interests of the people.
“Senator Sharafadeen Alli is someone whose antecedents we know. He is experienced, tested and has proven himself to be a man of integrity. We know the kind of person he is, and we believe he will not betray the confidence of the people,” he said.
The endorsement further reinforced the political significance of the birthday celebration, which brought together supporters of Tinubu, Alli and other APC candidates in Oyo State.
Sanusi called on residents to use the ballot box to hold political officeholders accountable, arguing that voters had the power to determine the direction of governance through their choices at the polls.
“Let us sweep away betrayers and failures from Oyo State with our votes. The power belongs to the people, and they must use it wisely,” he stated.
His remarks underscored the event’s emphasis on electoral participation, political accountability and the need for voters to evaluate leaders based on their performance.
Large turnout despite transportation challenges
The impressive turnout at Ilaji was another notable feature of the celebration.
Reports surrounding the event indicated that commercial drivers had allegedly been directed not to transport people to the venue. Despite the reported challenge, attendees were said to have made alternative arrangements, including hiring vehicles, to ensure their presence.
The reported transportation difficulties did not prevent supporters from attending in large numbers, with the gathering attracting people from different backgrounds and sections of society.
The diversity of participants added to the event’s political significance, as traders, artisans, community representatives, labour groups, religious organisations and political associations joined the celebration.
The gathering also provided an opportunity for political stakeholders to interact with supporters and reinforce calls for greater mobilisation ahead of future elections.
Prominent political figures attend celebration
Several prominent political figures and stakeholders attended the event, including Senator Sharafadeen Alli; Chief (Mrs.) Hannah Ogunesan; Hon. Akin Alabi; Chief Mutalubi Ojo; Mogaji Abass Oloko; Hon. Bosun Oladele; Asiwaju Mutiu Oladejo; Asiwaju Yemi Aderibigbe; Hon. Ayodeji Abass-Aleshinloye; Chief Shina Alabi; and Tunji Olanipekun.
Other political associates, community leaders and supporters were also present at the gathering.
The presence of traditional rulers, traders, artisans, religious groups and labour representatives reflected the broad range of interests represented at the celebration.
Although organised to mark Sanusi’s 58th birthday, the event evolved into a platform for political engagement, with speeches and public declarations focusing on the future of the APC in Oyo State and the party’s prospects at the national level.
Sanusi’s appeal to voters centred on the need to support Tinubu, Alli and other APC candidates while using the ballot to hold political leaders accountable for their promises.
The celebration therefore combined a personal milestone for the Okanlomo Oodua with a strong political message, as attendees were urged to sustain their support for the APC and participate actively in determining the state’s political future.
About The Author
