By Abdullahi M. Gulloma
Abuja
President Muhammadu Buhari yesterday dismissed rumours of any feud within the hierarchy of the All Progressives Congress.
Specifically, he said the party leadership is not at war with one its chieftains, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, describing such rumours as unfounded and mischievous.
Tinubu was visibly absent at the Ondo governorship rally attended by Buhari and notable party chieftains.
Although, the party’s flag bearer, Rotimi Akeredolu, SAN, who won the election, did not acknowledge Tinubu as a contributory factor to his victory on Saturday, nevertheless, the former state governor congratulated him.
Clearing the air yesterday, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity, Garba Shehu, in a statement said the president was highly embarrassed by such “suggestions” and that the president was in regular contact with Tinubu before, during and after the gubernatorial election.
He said any suggestions that the president and the party machinery were working to destroy the former Lagos state governor lacked foundation in truth or credibility, explaining that the president was impressed by Tinubu’s assurance not to work against the party in Ondo and he honoured his words.
The presidential media aide also explained that President Buhari regards Tinubu as a priceless political asset to the party whose immeasurable contributions to the development and progress of the ruling party are known to all.
Garba Shehu advised rumour mongers to stop spreading the seeds of discord and animosity between the president and the party chieftain or the party, adding that the president is proud of the Jagaban and his pivotal role in the party and the movement.
President Buhari commended Tinubu’s spirit of comradeship in promptly congratulating Rotimi Akeredolu, SAN who was elected governor.
The President also noted that at a time his administration is preoccupied with governance issues, rumours of divisions and alleged scheming within the party are counterproductive to internal unity and cohesion in APC.
