The All Progressives Congress (APC) chieftain in Ikole-Ekiti, Chief John Olumuyiwa Filani, who was formerly a commissioner at the Fiscal Responsibility Commission, expressed his shock at Nigeria's precarious economic situation and claimed that only Bola Tinubu, the APC's presidential candidate, could turn things around.
He asked voters to support the presidential candidate of the APC because he would provide "genuine answers" to the nation's issues.
In an interview with media on Friday in Ado-Ekiti, the capital of Ekiti state, Filani voiced worry that President Muhammadu Buhari's administration had fallen short of its commitments to the nation, notably in the area of the economy. He also pointed out that severe economic policies are constantly imposed on Nigerians.
The APC leader claimed that he couldn't remain impartial due to his anger with Nigerian politics, thus he felt forced to defend Tinubu's leadership qualities.
When asked to elaborate on his concerns, Filani said, “As a politician, I felt quite frustrated with the way things were going in this country. The political situation in Nigeria especially 2023 presidential election calls for concern in which one cannot continue to sit on the fence, hence I feel I should add my own views and as well justify my conviction on the leadership qualities of Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu.”
In addition, he defended the APC presidential candidate, saying he was superior to the competition.
The politician from Ikole-Ekiti conceded that the ruling party may have underperformed in some regions, but he was confident that Tinubu will restore the party’s reputation.
“I am not happy with the ways things are going in the country, especially the issue of fuel scarcity, because Nigerians are suffering and frustrated,” he said. “I am a disciplined man; that is why people see me being controversial most times.
“I did a SWOT analysis on the four leading presidential candidates, and I came out to say that the four of them are equal to the task. Having said that, at least, Tinubu has an edge over the remaining three. He will emerge as the winner because he is the most qualified and experienced.
” Tinubu, if elected, will change some of the policies of the Buhari administration. Most of the promises APC made in 2019; have let Nigeria down. Tinubu will change some of these policies.
“He can’t do it now because he is just a leader of the party and not the president. Give Tinubu that chance to become president, and I am convinced some of these policies will be reviewed for the betterment of this country.
” I am not happy seeing what is happening across the country in all sectors. We are in complete darkness; I am not happy with the APC.
“What they promised in 2019, they have not fulfilled it. I am not advocating for APC but for the personality of Tinubu. It is only unfortunate that Tinubu is in APC, but he is the only one capable and competent for the job.
“I know his contributions towards the end of military rule in Nigeria. I know exactly what he can do and whatever he says, he will definitely do it,” he added.