The Southwest APC Mandate Group has called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to recognise the loyalty and longstanding commitment of Prince Kola Asatola Asanike to the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the president’s political ideology.
In a letter addressed to the president and made available to journalists, the group said acknowledging Asanike’s contributions to the party over the years would encourage deeper commitment among party loyalists and strengthen adherence to the ideals of the APC.
The letter, signed by the group’s Publicity Secretary, Comrade Olugbenga Bojuwomi, highlighted Asanike’s decades-long involvement in progressive politics and described him as a prominent contender for the Oyo State governorship seat.
According to the group, Asanike has remained a steadfast supporter of Tinubu’s political philosophy since the early 2000s.
“Prince Asanike has been a stalwart supporter of your progressive ideology since the early 2000s,” the letter stated, noting that his commitment to the party’s vision has been consistent over the years.
The group recalled his involvement in pro-democracy activities during the era of the National Democratic Coalition (NADECO), which campaigned against military rule and pushed for the actualisation of the June 12, 1993 presidential election won by the late Chief MKO Abiola.
“During the NADECO days, Asanike led the Southwest wing of the advocacy for the anti-military campaign to push out the military regime and support the installation of Chief MKO Abiola as president following his victory in the June 12 election,” the group said.
The letter also highlighted Asanike’s alleged role in securing the release of party members who were detained in Kuje Prison in 2014 during the administration of former President Goodluck Jonathan for supporting Tinubu.
According to the group, Asanike mobilised resources and legal support that contributed to securing the release of the detained members.
“Of particular note was Prince Asanike’s instrumental role in mobilising resources and lawyers to support the release of party members incarcerated in Kuje Prison in 2014 for supporting Tinubu,” the group stated.
The APC Mandate Group further recalled Asanike’s efforts in mobilising support for Tinubu’s presidential ambition, including engagements with prominent Yoruba leaders across the Southwest.
It said he worked with other stakeholders in the region, including visits to former Ogun State governor, Chief Segun Osoba, and Senator Olabiyi Durojaye, to canvass support for Tinubu’s presidential bid.
The group also referenced Asanike’s participation in the activities of the Next Level, Next Prosperity Movement (NNPM), led by Barrister Oladipupo Oladosu, which it said played a role in mobilising grassroots support ahead of the 2023 presidential election.
According to the group, Asanike was actively involved in meetings and consultations with critical stakeholders, including former Osun State governor Chief Bisi Akande and other prominent political figures in the Southwest.
It added that he contributed significantly to discussions and mobilisation efforts that strengthened support for Tinubu’s presidential ambition.
The group also noted that Asanike reportedly financed the Jagaban National Coalition, one of the support groups that campaigned for Tinubu during the 2023 election.
“He used his resources and influence to mobilise support for your presidency, demonstrating his dedication to the APC and its leadership,” the letter said.
The group therefore urged President Tinubu to consider rewarding Asanike’s loyalty and sacrifices, noting that such recognition would reflect appreciation for his contributions to the party.
According to the group, acknowledging Asanike’s role in the party’s growth and Tinubu’s political journey would also motivate other party members who have remained committed to the APC over the years.
“Asanike’s contributions to the struggles of the party are a testament to his commitment to the APC’s ideals,” the letter stated.
It added that recognising his efforts would serve as encouragement to party loyalists who continue to support the administration and the party’s objectives.
The letter was also copied to the APC National Chairman and the party’s national secretariat.
The group expressed confidence that the president would give due consideration to its appeal, stating that Asanike’s dedication to the APC and its leadership makes him a worthy example for other party members.