2023: Twist as Tinubu Denies Meeting with G-5 Governors in London

Paschal Emeka, Abuja

Contrary to various media reports, the presidential candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Bola Tinubu has denied holding any meeting with the five governors of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in London.

The former Lagos State governor, therefore, warned those writing unsubstantiated articles and peddling rumors about him to desist forthwith.

He, however, added that he was entitled to meeting any political actor or stakeholder that is important to his campaign and plans for the country and who desires to engage with him.

Recall that the G-5 forum led by Governor Nyesom Wike of Rivers State has been at loggerheads with the party and its presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar.

Other members of the G-5 are Seyi Makinde (Oyo), Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi (Enugu), Okezie Ikpeazu (Abia), and Samuel Ortom (Benue).

The group, also known as Integrity Group, insisted that they would not support Atiku unless the party’s Chairman, Iyorchia Ayu is removed.

But Tinubu in a statement issued by his media office and signed by Mr. Tunde Rahman said the media report about the purported meeting was, to say the least, in bad faith but also evil intentioned

He noted that he was resolutely focused on his campaign objectives which are geared towards achieving victory in the upcoming presidential election to deliver the APC’s Action Plan aimed at giving Renewed Hope to our people in all facets of their lives.

The APC presidential candidate stated categorically that he was neither bothered by these articles nor by their sponsors who are well known.

Tinubu said the truth with respect to his present itinerary was that he came to London on Boxing Day, Monday, December 26, 2022, to spend a few days preparing for his trip to Saudi Arabia.

He explained that after spending some time in London, he has now proceeded to Mecca where he is at present observing Umrah

Tinubu stated: “As usual with him when the year is coming to an end taking time off his busy schedule, takes a little rest, and proceeds to Saudi Arabia to observe Umrah (Lesser Hajj) he was in London during the week en route to 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, members of the 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.”

He added: “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 former Lagos State governor said he was scheduled to return to the country within the next two days to continue with the campaign.