Presidential candidate of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), Bola Ahmed Tinubu, has reacted to the recent reports of an alleged meeting with the five aggrieved Governors of the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
There have been reports that the G5 Governors, led by Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike, recently met with Tinubu in London.
Other members of the group include Seyi Makinde of Oyo, Okezie Ikpeazu of Abia, Samuel Ortom of Benue, and Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu.
Tagged integrity group, the Governors have called for the resignation of Iyorchia Ayu as PDP National Chairman, a condition to support Atiku Abubakar, the presidential candidate of the party.
Speaking on the alleged meeting in a statement on Saturday, Tunde Rahman, media aide to Tinubu, said the APC candidate is not bothered by the reports.
“As usual with him, when a year is coming to an end, to take time off his busy schedules, take a little rest and proceed to Saudi Arabia to observe Umrah(Lesser Hajj), HE Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu was in London during the week en route Mecca, Saudi Arabia.
“While in the United Kingdom, Asiwaju Tinubu noted some articles in some national newspapers in Nigeria, alleging a secret meeting was held in London between him and the G-5 Governors, who are members of Peoples Democratic Party.
“These reports, to say the least, are not only in bad faith but also evil intentioned. They were published to advance the political interests of the writers and their sponsors.
“The Presidential Standard-bearer of the All Progressives Congress, HE Asiwaju Tinubu, is neither bothered by these articles nor by their sponsors, who are well known. He is resolutely focused on his campaign objectives, which are geared towards achieving victory in the upcoming presidential election in order to deliver the APC’s Action Plan aimed at giving Renewed Hope to our people in all facets of their lives.
“But, we must point out that the APC candidate is entitled to meeting any political actor or stakeholder that is important to his campaign and plans for the country and that desires to engage with him,” he said.
Rahman added that Tinubu arrived in London on December 26, spent a few days there, and “has now proceeded to Mecca where he is at present, observing Umrah”.
The APC candidate is expected in the country “within the next two days to continue with the campaign”.
“We would like to use this opportunity to advise those writing unsubstantiated articles and peddling rumours on him to desist forthwith,” he said.
