Phrank Shaibu, the Special Assistant on Public Communications to the Peoples Democratic Party Presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, said the “constant gaffes” of the All Progressives Congress, APC standard bearer, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu were embarrassing and his handlers becoming a cabal.
Shaibu said Tinubu has made over 20 gaffes publicly since he declared his intention to contest, adding that the former Lagos State governor goofed in Akwa Ibom State when he said he made Atiku a Senate President though his opponent never contested any legislative election.
He noted that the former Lagos governor’s gaffes and miscues are “effects of his failing health” which present danger to national security.
Atiku’s aide recalled Tinubu’s comment on recruitment of 50 million youths into the Army to solve the unemployment problem, advice to Nigerians to renew their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) before they expire, among others.
The Atiku camp said such errors at meetings with world leaders would negatively affect Nigeria’s image because “the Bola Tinubu who served as governor is different now”.
“The Bola Tinubu of today lacks the capacity to lead a nation of 200 million people most of whom are living in abject poverty.
“It is really not about his age since many leaders across the world are also advanced in age. It is about his mien, his utterances and faux pas.”
Shaibu said Tinubu and his allies have been saying what he lacks in physical capacity, he makes up for it in intelligence because the “Presidency of Nigeria is not wrestling.’’
The SA accused the politician’s handlers of “acting like a cabal”, believing that while in Aso Rock, “he will have the best medical attention and delegate important activities of state to them”.
“Nigerians have a right to demand that any aspirant to that office should be in the best state of health. Nigerians must not allow themselves to be deceived,” the statement added.