Tinubu Opens Up On Alleged Secret London Meeting With G5 Governors

The presidential candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Bola Tinubu has reacted to trending reports of a secret London meeting between himself and the aggrieved Governors of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) popularly referred to as the G5 Governors.

It would be recalled that several sources claimed Tinubu met with the G5 Governors and they gave him conditions to support his 2023 presidential bid.

The Governors; Nyesom Wike of Rivers, Seyi Makinde of Oyo, Okezie Ikpeazu of Abia, Samuel Ortom of Benue, and Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu had according to reports demanded some political concessions in exchange for them endorsing Tinubu’s ambition.

However, upon return from London on Friday, Governor Wike denied endorsing Tinubu or any other presidential candidate, saying they won’t do anything in secret and that when it is time for Nigerians to know their preferred candidate, they would reveal him.

Yes Tinubu Was In London

Reacting to the saga in a statement on Saturday, the media aide to Tinubu, Tunde Rahman confirmed that the APC candidate was in London as speculated but denied any meeting between him and the G5 Governors.

Rahman said Tinubu arrived London on December 26, spent a few days there before proceeding to Saudi Arabia for lesser hajj.

He said some persons were behind the rumours of a secret meeting and did it in bad faith to advance their selfish political ambitions.

The media aide added that Tinubu is however free to hold meetings with individuals or groups as part of efforts to deliver renewed hope to Nigerians.

The statement said: “As usual with him when a year is coming to an end to take time off his busy schedules, take a little rest and proceed to Saudi Arabia to observe Umrah(Lesser Hajj), HE Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu was in London during the week en route 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 who are members of 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.”

Tinubu Remains Unbothered

The statement continues that the APC candidate is not bothered by the fake reports but is focused on his campaigns ahead of the 2023 elections.

“The Presidential Standard-bearer of the All Progressives Congress, HE Asiwaju Tinubu, is neither bothered by these articles nor by their sponsors who are well known. He is resolutely focused on his campaign objectives which are geared towards achieving victory in the upcoming presidential election in order to deliver the APC’s Action Plan aimed at giving a Renewed Hope to our people in all facets of their lives,” the statement added.

He stressed that “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.”

When Is Tinubu Returning To Nigeria?

Rahman in the statement added that the APC candidate is expected in the country “within the next two days to continue with the campaign” after concluding Umrah.

“We would like to use this opportunity to advise those writing unsubstantiated articles and peddling rumours on him to desist forthwith,” he added.