The All Progressives Congress (APC) presidential candidate, Bola Tinubu, has denied meeting the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) G5 Governors in the United Kingdom.
Tinubu, in a statement by his media aide, Tunde Rahman denied the group of governors led by Governor Nyesom Wike of Rivers. Others are Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo; Governor Samuel Ortom of Benue; Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Ebonyi; and Governor Okezie Ikpeazu of Abia.
Tinubu said that at the end of each year, he travels to Saudi Arabia and this year, he had a stop in the United Kingdom. “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 G5 governors who are members of Peoples Democratic Party.
Tinubu said, “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 a 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,” the statement said.
“The truth with respect to his present itinerary is as follows: HE Asiwaju Tinubu came to London on Boxing Day Monday December 26, 2022 to spend a few days preparatory to his trip to Saudi Arabia.
“After spending some time in London, he has now proceeded to Mecca where he is at present observing Umrah.
“He is scheduled to return to 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,” the statement said.
