The Presidency on Wednesday debunked media reports suggesting there is rift between President Muhammadu Buhari and the National Leader of All Progressives Congress, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
The Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity, Garba Shehu, stated this in a statement titled “Alleged rift between President Buhari and Tinubu; handiwork of cynics.”
Shehu described reports of a rift between the two APC leaders as false and 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.”
Shehu added that “If 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.”
Shehu said that President considers Tinubu as one of the most respected political leaders in the country who has stuck to his principles in the face of all adversities.
President Buhari’s media aide noted that Tinubu was instrumental to the formation, growth and development of the APC into a formidable political party and the political alliance is waxing even stronger.