2015: Soyinka Denies Endorsing Buhari

By Uche Mbah

Nobel Laureate, Professor Wole Soyinka, has vehemently denied endorsing President Muhammadu Buhari during the  2015 Presidential elections, saying he never voted for Buhari.

Soyinka called a Press Conference Thursday to debunk mounting allegations that he endorsed the Presidency of Buhari, who is refered to in certain quarters as Soyinka’s Frankenstein monster.

At that time, said Soyinka, what he actually said was ‘Do not vote for Jonathan”. At no time did he say vote for Buhari.

“It is false to say that I supported the election of Buhari,” he concluded.

The election was arguably between Jonathan and Buhari, so critics believe that saying don’t vote for Jonathan was a tacit endorsement of Buhari.

Critics were quick to point out that it defied all logic for Soyinka, who was vehemently opposed to Buhari in his fist coming as Military Head of State, could do a turn around to champion his course.

Not a few Nigerians blame him and former president Olusegun Obasanjo for “selling Nigerians a dummy”, as some critics described their then unflinching support for Buhari.

But Martin Onovo, a one time Presidential Candidate, says he found nothing wrong in Soyinka’s self defence.

“If I remember well, Soyinka, at that time, said the two candidates were bad. You are aware he had some problems with Jonathan and his wife during that period. Even Obasanjo said ‘anyone but Jonathan’. So he is right in what he said”,

Onovo told this magazine.

Soyinka noted that it is his fundamental right to vote for any candidate of his choice, and criticize the person if he fails.

Even in 2015, Soyinka said those who attribute the position of endorsing Buhari are faceless agents.

“All such attributions are fabrications by faceless, often self-appointed agents of deception, and should be publicly pilloried.”

Talking about people ascribing statements to him, he said:

“Whenever I choose to declare support for a candidate – as is my electoral right – I shall ensure that I deploy a medium that places my authorship beyond dispute. Internet habitues, Social networks etc are urged to be less gullible, and avoid becoming cheap conduits for the deception industry.”