There have been constant reported allegations of rift between President Muhammadu Buhari and leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Bola Tinubu, in the media.
But the Presidency has cleared the air to stress that there is no quarrel between President Muhammadu and Tinubu, who was described as a “strong ally” of the former.
In a statement issued on Wednesday by the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity, Garba Shehu, it was emphasised that there was no truth in the media reports suggesting a crack in the relation between the two leaders and described the reports as handiwork of some media mischief makers.
According to Garba Shehu, the President and Asiwaju have a very strong commitment to the All Progressives Congress (APC) towards bringing CHANGE and this is a commitment they have made to the Nigerian people.
He said it was quite unfortunate that certain sections of the media feed on birthing controversies, providing a nexus for naysayers who work behind the scenes planting such stories which are absolutely false.
His statement reads in part, “This administration is aware of pessimists and cynics who wilfully spread misinformation to create doubts in the minds of the people about the relationship between its leaders and whether the party will remain intact or not.
“There is no doubt that the President and the party are focused on development, peace and security, restructuring of the economy and war against corruption in the country and will not be diverted to anything else. This desperate attempt to fool the people will not succeed.
“To President Buhari, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu remains one of the most respected political leaders in the country who has stuck to his principles in the face of all adversities. He was instrumental to the formation, growth and development of the APC into a formidable political party and the political alliance is waxing even stronger.
“If the Asiwaju is not a frequent face in the Aso Rock Villa, it is on account of the fact that he is not a cabinet member of this government. The fact that he is not every day around the Villa does not make him less of a friend to the President and this administration.”