A former governor of Osun State, Bisi Akande, has revealed the role he played in convincing President Bola Tinubu to contest for the presidency.
In an interview, State Affairs with Edmund Obilo, published on Wednesday via YouTube, Akande disclosed that Tinubu was initially hesitant about pursuing the position, citing financial constraints and personal doubts.
According to Akande, Tinubu was reluctant to heed advice about running for president, often quarrelling with those who suggested the idea.
Akande shared that he made Tinubu see reasons by highlighting Yoruba tradition.
According to him “I told him, ‘We don’t want you to be president because of you. You are unimportant in this matter. But in Yoruba tradition, when you want to worship the deity, you take the fattest animal or the biggest yam to worship.
“Yoruba wants to be president, and you are the one we have now. It is to sacrifice you so that we can have a president, not for you to be anything.
“He was looking at me as if I was sick or something,” Akande said.
Speaking further, he revealed Tinubu later asked him, “Baba, you now say I should run. What about this, my leg?” referring to his health challenges.
Akande replied to him, “Go and do it. There is still time. You will heal in six months.”
