- By TopNews
An Ado-Ekiti-born mini-truck driver, Adeleye Adeniyi, popularly known as “Online Loan Man for BAO”, says he has obtained loans totalling N3.5 million to support President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s second-term bid and the political aspirations of Senate Leader, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele, and Hon. Steve Fatoba.
Adeniyi disclosed this while addressing journalists in Ado-Ekiti on Wednesday, explaining that despite being a low-income earner, he decided to commit personal resources to appreciate leaders he believes have positively impacted Nigerians and Ekiti residents.
According to him, the N3.5 million is broken down into N2 million for President Tinubu, N1 million for Senator Bamidele and N500,000 for Hon. Fatoba.
He said his support for President Tinubu was informed by what he described as visible infrastructural and educational interventions of the Federal Government, citing the reconstruction of major roads, ongoing federal projects and the student loan scheme as policies that have convinced him that the President deserves another term.
Adeniyi also praised Senator Bamidele for interventions in healthcare, education, electricity and rural infrastructure across Ekiti, referencing the renovation of Government Science College, Efon-Alaaye, provision of a school bus and solar power projects as examples of impactful representation.
Similarly, he commended Hon. Fatoba for his contributions to agriculture, youth development and education in his constituency, noting that the N500,000 donation was meant to encourage continuity.
The driver said this is not his first personal sacrifice for a political cause. In June, he reportedly borrowed money to acquire a bus which he branded in support of Governor Biodun Oyebanji’s second-term re-election campaign. He said the experience strengthened his resolve to continue supporting politicians whose performance he considers commendable.
Explaining his philosophy, Adeniyi said citizens should not always expect politicians to spend their personal resources on the people without reciprocating support for causes they believe in.
“We should not wait until those who are serving us are using their own resources and giving us money. We can also come out and use our personal resources to support them,” he said.
He disclosed that the N2 million earmarked for President Tinubu was already available and that he intends to present it through Governor Oyebanji.
Adeniyi appealed to Nigerians to reward what they consider good governance at the ballot box and called for the re-election of Tinubu, Bamidele and Fatoba. He also expressed appreciation to Governor Oyebanji, describing him as a leader who has performed well.
According to him, the gesture was voluntary and a personal way of showing gratitude.
His unusual move is likely to provoke wider debate about political loyalty, citizen participation and the extent to which supporters should go in financing political causes.
