2023 Presidency: APC Chieftain Speaks On Mustapha Backing Atiku

A stalwart of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Tahir Mamman, has said that the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Boss Mustapha, is not working for the Presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Atiku Abubakar, to become the next President.

Naija News recalls that Governor Wike of Rivers State had claimed that someone in the Presidency is backing Atiku and the PDP for the 2023 presidential election.

However, the claim generated a series of reactions online with some APC members calling for an investigation into the claim made by the Rivers governor.

The claim followed a condolence visit by SGF Mustapha to the former Vice President, following the death of the Private Secretary to Atiku, Abdullahi Nyako.

In a statement, he personally signed on Thursday, Mamman denied claims that Mustapha is working with Atiku and the PDP to become President Muhammadu Buhari’s successor.

Mamman also described the claims as puerile, mischievous and grossly inappropriate, advising Nigerians to ignore claims meant to cause disaffection between Mustapha and the party.

The APC chieftain, however, asserted that the SGF remains committed to supporting the APC presidential candidate, Bola Tinubu, to win the 2023 election.

He said: “Our attention has been drawn to a grossly misleading report that Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Mr. Boss Mustapha, is the supposed top aide of President Muhammadu Buhari (GCFR) allegedly working for the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, rather than the candidate of his ruling party, the All Progressives Congress (APC), Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

“In one of the reports, entitled ‘President Buhari’s Top Aide Reportedly Working for Atiku Finally Revealed?’ it referred only to the condolence visit of the SGF to the PDP candidate over the loss of his aide as the ground for its many posers and conclusions, amongst other spurious allegations.

“While we appreciate the times we are in as one of politicking, where innuendoes will be rife, we consider the story as puerile, mischievous and grossly inappropriate.

“Having worked closely with the SGF during the days of the Caretaker Extra-ordinary Convention Committee (CECC), and also still working with him at personal and party levels, I can speak for and vouch for his position on this issue.

“For the avoidance of any doubt, therefore, the SGF has been consistent as a party man, having been a visible pillar at the state and national levels. He has emerged over the years as a sustaining influence at all stages of party affairs, where he has shown commitments to the progressive ideals of the APC and the transformational endeavours of President Muhammadu Buhari (GCFR).

“His determination to continue in this direction is unflinching. which is why he supports the emergence of APC Presidential Flagbearer, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, as President Buhari’s successor.”

Mamman stated that Mustapha holds Tinubu in very high esteem and their relationship will continue to be a strong one, adding that the SGF would do his best to see that Tinubu emerges as the next President.

He added: “As a senior party official, he is a major adviser to stakeholders, towards ensuring the success of not just APC-led governments, but party officials at all levels. Mr. Mustapha, is, therefore, in full support of the party across the country, not only for winning in the next elections but also for the success of succeeding APC administrations, by the Grace of God. This is in line with the position of Mr. President and he is solidly behind it.

“The SGF holds Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu in very high esteem and their relationship will continue to be a strong one. He will do all that he can to ensure the emergence of Asiwaju Tinubu as the next president of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

“Mischief makers and naysayers should understand that courtesies like Mr. Mustapha’s visit to Waziri of Adamawa were purely for condolences, being from the same state. Political differences do not mean a cessation of social and cultural relationships.”