The presidency has dismissed reports of a rift between President
Mohammadu Buhari and a Chieftain of the All Progressive Congress, APC,
Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, describing it as the handiwork of “some
mischief makers.”
A Statement signed by presidential Spokesman Garba Shehu said the
relationship between the President and Tinubu remains intact as they are
still best of friends.
The statement reads:
“The Presidency wishes to make it clear that there is no rift between
President Muhammadu Buhari and his strong ally, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed
Tinubu.
“The President and the Asiwaju have a very strong commitment to the All
Progressives Congress, APC towards bringing CHANGE and this is a
commitment they have made to the Nigerian people.
“Recent reports of a rift between the two leaders of our party are
false; the handiwork of some media mischief makers.
“It is quite unfortunate that certain sections of the media feed on
birthing controversies, providing a nexus for naysayers who work behind
the scenes planting such stories which are absolutely false.
“This administration is aware of pessimists and cynics who willfully
spread misinformation to create doubts in the minds of the people about
the relationship between its leaders and whether the party will remain
intact or not. There is no doubt that the President and the party are
focused on development, peace and security, restructuring of the economy
and war against corruption in the country and will not be diverted to
anything else. This desperate attempt to fool the people will not
succeed.
“To President Buhari, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu remains one of the most
respected political leaders in the country who has stuck to his
principles in the face of all adversities. He was instrumental to the
formation, growth and development of the APC into a formidable political
party and the political alliance is waxing even stronger.
“If the Asiwaju is not a frequent face in the Aso Rock Villa, it is on
account of the fact that he is not a cabinet member of this government.
The fact that he is not every day around the Villa does not make him
less of a friend to the President and this administration.”