Director-General of Ondo State Network for Bola Tinubu, Tolu Babaleye, has revealed the reason why Vice President Yemi Osinbajo relocated his political base to his hometown, Ikenne in Ogun State.
Speaking with Vanguard, Babaleye said Osinbajo has dared his destiny helper with his presidential ambition and lacks electoral value in Lagos.
At what point did Tinubu, Osinbajo break ties?
I am not aware that the ties broke. I don’t think Tinubu is disappointed with what Osinbajo did but many of his supporters are. Ambition is a very difficult thing and there is no way you can suppress a man with ambition. The Vice President has his ambition and feels he can dare anyone including his destiny helper and highest promoter.
Reports suggest Osinbajo quietly moved his membership of Lagos APC to Ogun APC in 2021. Was that the beginning of the breaking of ties with Tinubu?
This is not correct. The truth is that Osinbajo had no electoral value in Lagos where he used to vote because the place is dominated by the Igbo.
It was Tinubu who even advised him to relocate his PVC to Ogun. Nobody will suspend anyone for declaring to contest an election. If Osinbajo wins in the primary, he will still need Tinubu to fly.
People shouldn’t create unnecessary tension and enmity that may be difficult to settle. The truth is that Osinbajo has no electoral value in Lagos. Attached is the result of the last election from the unit where Osinbajo voted in Lagos.
Relocating to Ogun is a political calculation to bring better results and not because anyone will suspend him for exercising his constitutional right.
This is the result of Osinbajo’s unit in the 2019 presidential poll: Vice President Yemi Osinbajo (VP) Polling Unit Code 33, Unit 2 Victoria Garden City, Lagos: Presidential: APC – 229, PDP – 425; senatorial: APC – 261, PDP – 414, Rep: APC -190, PDP -268.
Why was the step necessary?
The step was necessary to make sure he wins his unit and ward in the next elections because a politician that fails to win his unit and ward is irrelevant in politics.
Was it in anticipation of running for President or some other reasons?
It was not, but to give him a base. For instance, it was also at that period that Osinbajo built his first house in Ikenne.