Southwest must produce next president, Akeredolu insists

Ondo State Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu has insisted that the next president of the country must come from the Southwest region of the country.

Akeredolu, who hinted that the governors in the Southwest have spoken, noted that the governors believed that the train of this country must have a smooth ride.

The governor stated this during the visit of the National Leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, on Thursday, who visited the state as part of his engagement with delegates ahead of the party presidential primary election.

Akeredolu described the funfair that greeted the former Lagos state governor’s visit as a statement of his investment and hard work over the years.

Akeredolu said: “Think about Nigeria. Think about the investment over the years. Think about competence. You must look at the background of everybody, the reach and capacity. You have our good wishes as you proceed. Only God enthroned.”

Akeredolu further stated that: ”Your visit is different. We must be able to accept the fact that Asiwaju has done a lot. No doubt, we have noticed that Asiwaju has crisscrossed the length and breadth of this country.

“And let us all be frank to ourselves. His reach is not something you can get easily, his reach as one of the founding fathers of our party. Many aspirants have been here, but your reach has also made it possible to have one of the special assistants to the President here. That will speak volumes.’’

The governor added that the party and the delegates must think about an aspirant with years of investment, competence, capacity and reach while choosing the candidate to fly the flag of the party.

“We have said it on the people’s behalf. The presidency must come to this Southwest. The governors in the Southwest have spoken. By the grace of God, some of us believe that the train of this country must have a smooth ride.”

-Leadership