The presidency has replied an elder statesman, Tanko Yakasai for questioning President Muhammadu Buhari’s commitment to the All Progressives Congress (APC) presidential candidate Bola Tinubu.
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The presidency, in a statement signed by Garba Shehu, the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity released on Wednesday, said Yakasai is not a known member of the party.
The statement read, in part, “Alhaji Tanko Yakasai is unknown to the All Progressives Congress, APC. Everyone is entitled to their view, but what we do know is that his insight in a recent interview does not come from within the party or the President’s team. His support for Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu is welcome although it is difficult to see what value it will add.”
Shehu said Yakasai’s comment about the Buhari’s loyalty is not supported by evidence.
He said “Yakasai’s questioning of the loyalties of President Muhammadu Buhari stands in sharp contrast to the actions of the President. Only on Monday, he was out at a rally in Bauchi supporting the flag bearer of the party. Presidential duties permitting, he is scheduled to make further appearances at campaign events in the coming weeks.
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“His support for the party’s candidate, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu is unquestioned. If this wasn’t on TV, Yakasai’s unwise comment on the issue would have been dismissed as a misquotation. But he was live on TV. On this one against President Buhari, no one should take him seriously.
“Perhaps times are hard and the old man needs a bit of help,” Shehu added.
Yakasai was reported to have said he felt President Buhari was not in support of Tinubu’s candidature.