Oyo-based entrepreneur, philanthropist, and youth mobilizer, Chief Salako Amekunlooye, in an open letter to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR on Tuesday, June 17, 2025, expressed disappointment over perceived neglect which he and other patriotic individuals and loyalists of the All Progressives Congress (APC) are experiencing after campaigning vigorously for the president’s victory in 2023, in Oyo State and across Nigeria.
Amekunlooye in his letter gave an account of how he traveled round the country, mobilising Nigerian youths in various higher institutions, trade unions/associations, religious institutions as well as community development associations during the electioneering period in the country.
He however complained bitterly about his exclusion from the dividend of party politics.
The APC chieftain further disclosed he found it appalling that none of his people was found worthy of being compensated with an appointment or post-election reward from the Presidency, adding that the Commander-in-Chief should purge his administration of sycophants who have refused to tell him the truth, an action which according to him could be inimical to the President’s reelection in 2027.
The letter also indicated that regardless of Amekunlooye’s displeasure, it would be disingenuous for him (Amekunlooye) to say he regretted throwing his weight behind President Tinubu in 2023, he however used the medium to appeal to the president to consider all what he (Amekunlooye) and other patriots sacrificed to ensure the party’s victory, saying they deserve to partake in the federal appointments.
His letter reads, “Your Excellency sir, my name is Chief Salako Amekunlooye one of your grassroots mobilizers in South West and also a member of South West Agenda for Asiwaju (SWAGA); a foremost political support group which did its best to make people across political divides record presidential victory for you in 2023.
“Sir, to our amazement in Oyo State and across Nigeria, those of us who campaigned vigorously for you have been neglected with utter disdain and contempt. We traveled round the country, mobilised Nigerian youths in various higher institutions, trade unions/associations, religious institutions, community development associations etc, but today we have been excluded from the dividend of party politics. None of us has been found worthy of being compensated with an appointment or post-election reward from the Presidency, this is very demoralizing and our foot soldiers are even finding it difficult to believe us.
“As it pleases God, today you are the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, for some of us who truly love you we would like to respectfully tell you to do self introspection, identify moles around you and as well purge your administration of sycophants who have refused to tell you the truth, an act which obviously could be inimical to your reelection in 2027.
“Although, regardless of my displeasure which should not be considered as an act of disloyalty or treachery, it would be disingenuous for me to say I regretted throwing my weight behind you in 2023, meanwhile I will rather use this open letter to appeal to you to consider all what some of us who are patriots sacrificed to ensure the party’s victory in 2023. We all deserve to partake in the federal appointments. I would have written to you in private but I know some overzealous individuals around you won’t let it get to you, hence this open letter became inevitable.
“Recall Your Excellency during the anniversary in commemoration of your two-year in office, I felicitated with you, because I believe in you and unequivocally passed a vote of confidence on you and reiterated the fact that I am solidly behind you and our great party (APC). Sir, it won’t be out of place to carry us along in all the political affairs in the states especially Oyo State. We are closer to the people at the grassroots, and we form the largest voting bloc in the secular world. Our demography should not be neglected. Since after the elections, Your Excellency may note that our efforts were never in any form appreciated or recognized.
“Nothing was given to us at any point in time, not even during the festive seasons. We waited and waited and waited to no avail, this is really sad. Your Excellency, permit me to reliably inform you that many of our boys went through a lot at the last election. We took a great risk sleeping on the grass in open spaces at almost every state during the electioneering period to ensure victory.
“A number of us sacrificed our personal belongings to support the campaign in our own little ways, some of us were physically attacked, some fell sick, some were involved in ghastly motor accidents, others were grossly bullied and disparaged on the social media, yet those inhuman treatments and challenges never distracted us from canvassing votes for the party. Your Excellency, these loyal party men and women have not been compensated for all their pains and sacrifices, we are feeling neglected.
“We would also want to respectfully draw the attention of His Excellency, our Father, the advocate of people’s empowerment to focus on advancing the country and bringing radical changes to the structure of governance. You also need to take steps that will change the misconception of north-south divide and engender national unity, inclusiveness, cohesion and development.
“As grassroots stakeholders who have the expertise to mobilise eligible voting demography in an election, we believe that the humanitarian sector requires diverse leadership to effectively address the complexities of social issues, especially those impacting vulnerable populations, including those who are committed and showing fidelity to your Renewed Hope Agenda, because we are the ones that could bring perspectives and experiences that can lead to more comprehensive and empathetic responses to humanitarian needs.
“We therefore urge you sir, to reconsider your appointments and to ensure that the appointments are extended to those who played pivotal roles in making your presidential dream a reality despite the stiff resistance pulled by the opposition parties and the filthy roles played by the fifth columnists.
“Your Excellency sir, for the umpteenth time, kindly please consider our clarion call to you. Listen to us, include us, and ensure that your key appointments reflect the richness of our nation’s diversity and as well make APC a veritable special purpose vehicle for political success and prosperity at all times and in every state.
“Nigerians are watching, the world is watching, but you are the one leading and we pray you will not fail.
“Thank you, Mr President.
“Your Compatriot and APC Chieftain,
“Chief Salako Amekunlooye,
“Ibadan, Oyo State.”
