Wednesday, July 22, 2026

Buhari loyal to Tinubu’s presidential ambition, to attend more rallies; Yakasai’s comment stupid: Presidency

“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.”

• January 26, 2023
President Muhammadu Buhari, Bola Tinubu and Tanko Yakasai
President Muhammadu Buhari, Bola Tinubu and Tanko Yakasai

The Presidency says President Muhammadu Buhari’s support for the presidential candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Bola Tinubu, is unquestionable.

Garba Shehu, the president’s spokesman, said this in a statement on Wednesday in Abuja, reacting to an allegation levelled against Buhari by Tanko Yakasai.

“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,” said the statement.

It noted that Mr Buhari’s support for the party’s candidate “is unquestioned.”

Mr Garba said, “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.”

Mr Yakasai, in a TV interview, questioned Buhari’s loyalty to the realisation of APC victory in the presidential election on February 25. However, Mr Shehu dismissed the allegation, saying the president’s support for the party’s candidate, Tinubu is unquestioned.

“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,” said the presidential spokesman.

He added, “His support for Asiwaju Bola Tinubu is welcome, although it is difficult to see what value it will add. 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.”

(NAN)

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