The Grand Council of Yoruba Youths has faulted a report claiming that Southwest leaders, led by Gen. Alani Akinrinade (Rtd), are planning to persuade Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu to step down for Vice- President Yemi Osinbajo in 2023.
The group described the claim as “fake news”, saying there is no Committee of Southwest Leaders headed by Gen. Akinrinade.
Ex-Lagos State Governor Tinubu and his former Attorney-General Osinbajo have declared their aspiration to succeed President Muhammadu Buhari on the All Progressives Congress (APC) platform ahead of the party’s May 30 Presidential Primary.
Other notable Southwest politicians are also believed to be interested in running for the office.
The Grand Council said in an April 28 statement by its President-General Awa Bamiji that a meeting, to be held in Ibadan at an undisclosed date, would help douse tension in the region.
The statement said: “Our attention has been drawn to the fake news ‘Southwest Leaders to meet Tinubu over Osinbajo’s ambition’ report making the rounds on social media and being carried by some reputable media organisations as well.’’
“There is no Committee of Southwest Leaders headed by Gen. Alani Akinrinade (Rtd) in existence at all, let alone also making effort to convince the National Leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, to step down for the Vice-President, Prof Yemi Osinbajo, because it will be win-win for both of them at the end of the day.”