By Deji Elumoye
The Presidency yesterday dismissed reports of a purported rift between President Muhammadu Buhari and the National Leader of the All Progressives Congress, Senator Bola Tinubu, saying that the duo remains strong political allies.
A statement by the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity, Malam Garba Shehu, described the recent reports of a rift between the two leaders of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) as not only false but the handiwork of some mischief-makers.
It stated that it was 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,” it stated.
The statement added that the president and the party are focused on development, peace and security, restructuring of the economy and war against corruption in and will not be diverted to anything else.
It added that the attempt by sponsors of the report of a sour relationship between Buhari and Tinubu to fool the people will not succeed.
It said: “To President Buhari, 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 in the formation, growth and development of the APC into a formidable political party and the political alliance is waxing even stronger.
“If Tinubu 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.
“The president and Tinubu 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.”
