Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, the All Progressives Congress’ (APC) presidential candidate, has refuted rumors that he met secretly in London with five disaffected governors from the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
In a statement sent by his media office and signed by Tunde Rahman, Tinubu said that it had been customary for him to take a break in London before traveling to Saudi Arabia for the lesser hajj.
The statement read, “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 G-5 governors who are members of Peoples Democratic Party.
“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.”
According to Tinubu, he is not disturbed by these articles or by their well-known sponsors and that he is steadfastly focused on his campaign goals, which are designed to help him win the forthcoming presidential election and implement the APC’s Action Plan to give all Nigerians a Renewed Hope.
The statement further read, “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 truth with respect to his present itinerary is as follows:
“HE Asíwájú 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”.