We won’t allow Tinubu to suffer Abiola’s fate – Oodua

The Oodua Progressives Care Initiate (OPCI) yesterday vowed to resist any attempt to disrupt the inauguration of the president-elect, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, on May 29, 2023.

The group warned those it described as elements of destruction parading themselves as Yoruba leaders, either individuals or associations, calling for the cancellation of the election to cease or be dealt with.

Addressing a press conference in Ilorin, Kwara State, the President of OPCI, Chief Maruf Olanrewaju, warned that the group would not allow a repeat of the 1993 incident when the election of another Yoruba man, the late Chief Mashood Abiola, was annulled.

Olanrewaju said, “Tinubu won the election with over eight million votes, declared winner and presented with the certificate of return by INEC.

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“But some opposition political parties raised alarm and they were advised to seek redress through the legal means.

“However, it came to us as a surprise the action of some hooligans, criminals, enemies of democracy and of our dear nation calling for an interim government instead of proper handing over to the president-elect on May 29.

“We believe in the efficacy of law, democracy and the unity of Nigeria and shall not fold our hands and be watching these elements of destruction to truncate our democracy.

“If it was done successfully during the June 12, election in 1993, we will not allow it to repeat itself this time around. We will do everything possible to defend our democracy and the mandate given to Tinubu.”