The Presidency said in a statement on Wednesday that members of the public should not take Tanko Yakasai seriously, adding that Buhari’s support for Tinubu is unquestionable.
By Jeffrey Agbo
The Presidency has lashed out at elder statesman, Tanko Yakasai, after he questioned President Muhammadu Buhari’s support for his party’s presidential candidate, Bola Tinubu.
Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity, Garba Shehu, said in a statement on Wednesday that the nonagenarian should not be taken seriously.
The Presidency highlighted the fact that Buhari was at the Bauchi presidential rally on Monday which showed his commitment to the party’s success.
The statement read, “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.
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“He is right to highlight his experience as a senior citizen, a leader in government and ability to reach out across divides are strong foundations for the highest office.
“But 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.
”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.”