Why I bought into Tinubu’s presidency, canvassed support for APC – Idimogu

By Ezurike Ugochukwu

To Hon. Jude Chukwuemeka Idimogu, Former Lagos State House of Assembly member representing Oshodi/Isolo II constituency, he was among the very few that were upbeat that Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu has all it takes to be the president of Nigeria long before now, attesting to the maxim that, a chick that will grow rooster can be spotted the very day it hatches.

Hon Idimogu who also goes by his Yoruba name: Omobowale was a former member of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) but crossed over to the All Progressives Congress (APC) before the 2019 elections under which he contested and won for the second time to represent his constituency thereby became the first non-indigene to win an election the second time outside his state in the present Nigeria.

Idimogu revealed that the kind of love, charisma and detribalistic mien Asiwaju exhibited before him on his first encounter with him lured him to the APC, even as his enthusiasm in serving humanity further gratified his inner feelings on the need to believe and support him.

He restated that Asiwaju has the political will to take bold and difficult decisions, which so many leaders in the country do not have. He knows how to play the politics in it to make everyone flow with him. “Give it to him, he knows how to take tough decisions in the interest of the masses,” Idimogu reiterated.

“Those things others would not dare try, those decisions that are for the betterment of the masses, he will do them. He is ready to step on toes for the interest of the masses,” Idimogu added.

It will be recalled that in the build-up to the 2023 presidential election, the former lawmaker had joined forces with the ‘Igbo kwenu 4Asiwaju’Presidential Campaign train, touring virtually all states of the federation canvasing support for Asiwaju and APC.

Leaders and some Lagos members of Igbokwenu4Asiwaju before the February 2023 elections

‘Igbo kwenu 4Asiwaju’ an Igbo campaign group in the APC that seeks the interest and election of Asiwaju Bola Tinubu for President. Whereas the Commissioner for Enugu State, in the Federal Character Commission, Ambassador Ginika Tor is the leader, Idimogu is the Southwest Coordinator of the group.

The group went all out, used all resources at their disposal, toured all nooks and crannies; east, west, north and south campaigned aggressively for the actualization of presidential bid of Asiwaju.

To mention but a few, they visited such states as Kano, Nassarawa, Abuja, Enugu, Anambra, Akwa Ibom, Yobe, Cross River and Lagos states with the message of Asiwaju/Shettima renewed hope.

In Lagos state, the lawmaker had facilitated the donation of a building for the ‘Igbo Kwenu 4Asiwaju’ campaign group by an illustrious Igbo Community Leader in the state, Chief Leo Okafor. The imposing building is located at No. 2 Rashidi Street, off Sofuye Street, Ilasa Bus Stop, Oshodi Mile 2 Express Road opposite Inanimate Itire Bus Stop, Lagos State.

The building donated by Chief Okafor

According to Okafor, the Igbos can no longer operate outside Nigerian politics such has caused them so much. That he said informed his reason to support anyone that will help drive the Igbos in APC to where they are supposed to be.

“It’s well known that where we are now as the Igbo nation is not where we are supposed to be. It’s because we don’t sit down and analyze things very well and I believe though there are several paths to it but all I know is that this path will certainly lead us to our destination”, he said.

Idimogu and Tor

He said that the building was donated to enable the group project the interest of the party especially the election of the APC leader, Bola Tinubu.
“I call it Igbo house in APC, and they will always have their programs of ‘Igbo Kwenu 4 Asiwaju’, ‘it’s all welcome because this is an Igbo house, this is a fulfilled dream. I want all of you to make judicious use of it; to project the interest of the party in the state, Okafor stated.

Idimogu

While appreciating the gesture, Idimogu said the donation will strengthen the Igbos in Lagos, and help them organize themselves on behalf of Asiwaju/Shetima and for APC, and on the strong believe that they will now join the mainstream politics in Nigeria today which is the APC.

“You can see we now have a peaceful accommodation where we can gather and have our meetings and discussions; I should tell you that the Igbos now really understand what politics is all about and how best to play it.

President Tinubu in Paris

“We all know that ‘Asiwaju’ is a true democrat who has paid his due, it’s time for Nigeria to pay him back. Given, he deserves whatever position he’s vying for now that’s why he needs our support and I say that the Igbos should understand that we should play national politics and not regional politics so that we don’t miss it this time around”, Idimogu had advised.

The former lawmaker noted that Tinubu had been consistent in his political exploit. According to him, he has been building structures in the last two decades. like he said, power is not served a la carte which is his regular refrain.

“To me, he is one man I have always believed will do the right thing, he is always building structure, he encourages people, pacifies you when you fail, come to encourage you that there is always another day.

“He will ensure you are comfortable; it might not be immediately, but when he makes a promise, he makes sure he fulfills it, no matter how long it takes. When he sees you, he remembers it. One other thing that works for him is that he is a generous giver, he builds people.

“Power is struggled like a tug of war, some people are getting him wrong that he encourages violence, no, he was not telling you to kill, rather he was telling his people not to go and relax thinking it will come their way on a platter of gold, you must work so hard for it day and night.

“Asiwaju I know will always encourage you to put in the best of efforts to win; he knows the true situation of politics in this country especially the presidential system we practice that so much fund is involved.

“Everywhere you go, there are expectations from the people. It’s also not just having the money, you must be ready to spend it else nothing works, it’s disturbing indeed.

President Tinubu and Gov Sanwo -Olu

“Above all, inside me, something tells me ‘Asiwaju’ will win because if you check his antecedents, he has never put his hands on something and fails. Whenever he speaks, or shows desire for anything, such begins to tilt to his favour.

“He is not someone that stands and talks carelessly, he will study the terrain so well before he utters a statement, he doesn’t talk flippantly, he is a democrat,” Idimogu stated.

On Asiwaju’s charisma in leadership, Idimogu explained that his pattern is to allow every participant on every discuss opportunity to air his or her view, no one will be allowed to stay disconnected so long as you are a member, at the end he will articulate the general view and speak their minds as their leader that’s who he is. Some think he lords it over or bully people, not at all.

“When I moved to APC, at that first instance, my party leaders did not want to accept me, but ‘Asiwaju’ prevailed on them to accept me as one of them, reminding them that I have electoral value as I was coming with my team to the party, that they should accept me along with my leaders.

“For me getting to the Lagos house of assembly was a good one, a good platform I prayed for to position me for service to humanity that was my greatest joy, we met a lot of people, it helped me to express myself and take the problems of my constituency/community to where they should be heard, am very grateful to God and my numerous supporters made up of Hausa, Yoruba, minorities and Igbos.

According to Idimogu who was also the founder of the political group, Abundance United Movement(AUM), his political exploit so far was a stepping stone which money cannot buy only but God could give.

Idimogu gave Kudos to the speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly Mudashiru Obasa, who he described as his leader.

He remains grateful to his APC party leaders in the state. Also to a father and confidant, Prince Sunday Adewoyin, who he said has always been there for him right from the days of PDP, his beloved wife, stating they indeed had a good outing.

Hon. Idimogu speaking at the floor of the Lagos House of Assembly

“It was a privilege for me as the only non-indigene that has achieved this feat. I never brought shame to the Igbo race and non-indigenes here. This is good news, they could be entrusted with more opportunities of power regardless of the constituency, they would always refer them to my track records, Idimogu stated.

On his availability to serve in higher responsibilities, he expressed readiness to always serve humanity through political platforms and participations.

“If offered opportunity to serve, I will not hesitate as such is service to my community, state and to the nation. I also call on our leaders to imbibe that spirit of service.

“Every opportunity of service is call to selflessness, remember your being there does not mean you are better than others, rather a privilege to serve your constituency, state and nation,” Idimogu said.

Extolling the virtues of Idimogu, the Federal Character Commissioner Tor, advised Ndigbo to give their attention to the man who according to her is going to change the narrative, the man that has the capacity, recognition and competency to move this country to a destination of choice in the person of Bola Tinubu.

She hailed Hon Idimogu for carrying out such massive campaign, insisted that the former law maker deserves being rewarded either at the federal or state for what he has done for the party.

Gov. Sanwo-Olu and Hon. Idimogu

Idimogu had thanked God for giving Lagos such a visionary leader as Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu at this auspicious time to raise the bar of governance in Lagos and support President Tinubu in his renewed agenda for the country.

The governor had at a crucial meeting with members of the last House of Assembly, with the Speaker, Mudashiru Obasa, in attendance at the State House promised to deal with Idimogu on matters relating to Ndigbo in the state.

Igbo leaders in Lagos showing unflinching support to Idimogu

Sanwo -Olu said, “We have heard of the efforts he has made so far in bringing his people closer to the party. We appreciate his contributions and would relate with him and Ndigbo cordially to make Lagos great for all of us.”
To many lagosians, religious bodies and his constituents particularly, Idimogu has chiseled his name on marble just as his philanthropic gestures speak volume. His selfless services and quality representation will continue to beckon on him.

Prince Adewoyin

To Prince Adewoyin, Idimogu has done so much for his people, “ just as Jesus Christ said, when you do this for these people, you have done it for me, he has done much for mankind which glorifies God,”