Hundreds of support groups in the All Progressives Congress political fold have demonstrated solidarity with the national chairman of The Mandate Movement, Cardinal James Omolaja Odunmbaku, popularly known as Baba Eto, describing him as an unblemished and principled.
At a joint press conference in Lagos on Wednesday, representatives of various support groups from across the country, numbering about 572 were in unison in passing a vote of confidence on Cardinal Odunmbaku on the resilience and demonstration of capacity he has shown in leading the group, an office he has occupied for several years as a result of the visible results he brings to the party.
Akeem Fashola, the spokesman of the support groups while addressing newsmen dismissed allegations of insubordination, misappropriation and incompetence against Cardinal Odunmbaku, describing it as handiwork of mischief makers who are bent on maliciously casting aspersions on the character of The Mandate Movement national leader.
He urged Nigerians, particularly members of the party ignore the rumours, saying more than ever before, Cardinal Odunmbaku has demonstrated outstanding leadership that endeared him to big political actors within and outside Lagos State.
He said, “We have come to review the outcome of the 2023 presidential, National Assembly, governorship and State Assembly elections and how the various support groups of the APC across the country fared. This became necessarily in order to assist us in preparing for future elections.
“Secondly, we are here to pass a vote of confidence on our pragmatic leader, the National Chairman of The Mandate Movement, Cardinal James Omolaja Odunmbaku, aka Baba Eto.
“His foray in the country’s political scenario dates back to the ill-fated ‘Hope 93’ presidential campaign, a period he was appointed Special Adviser on Grassroots Mobilisation by late M.K.O Abiola in the run-up to the poll.
“Since then, he has served several political figures, including the incumbent President Bola Tinubu
“In the run-up to the 1999 election when Asiwaju became Lagos governor, Odunmbaku was appointed the state chairman of Bola Ahmed Tinubu Campaign Organisation (BATCO) which has metamorphosed into what is today known as the “The Mandate Movement.”
He also applauded the role played by Odunmbaku as the Director campaign of former Governor Akinwumi Ambode and later governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu.
Odunmbaku was also hailed for his roles in the campaign of President Bola Tinubu.
Akeem Fashola therefore urged all stakeholders of APC to continue to offer support to Cardinal Odunmbaku and The Mandate Movement in offering service to the party.