Ignore rumours, Tinubu is a priceless asset to APC, Buhari says

President Muhammadu Buhari has dismissed rumours that he and the APC leadership are at odds with one of the party chiefs, Bola Tinubu, describing such rumours as unfounded and mischievous.

The Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity, Garba Shehu, said the president was highly embarrassed by such “suggestions” and that the president was in regular contact with Mr. Tinubu before, during and after the Ondo gubernatorial election.

He said any suggestions that the president and the party machinery were working to destroy Mr. Tinubu had no foundation in truth or any credibility, explaining that the president was impressed by Mr. Tinubu’s assurance not to work against the party in Ondo and he honoured his words.

The presidential media aide also explained that President Buhari regards Mr. Tinubu as a priceless political asset to the party whose immeasurable contributions to the development and progress of the ruling party are known to all.

Garba Shehu advised rumour mongers stop spreading the seeds of discord and animosity between the president and Mr. Tinubu or the party, adding that the president is proud of the Jagaban and his pivotal role in the party and the movement.

President Buhari commended Mr. Tinubu’s spirit of comradeship in promptly congratulating Rotimi Akeredolu who was elected governor.

The President also noted that at a time his administration is preoccupied with governance issues, rumours of divisions and alleged scheming within the party are counterproductive to internal unity and cohesion in APC.

He appealed to APC members and supporters to ignore rumours that could harm party unity.