Pres. Buhari denies rift with Tinubu, says he is a priceless asset

President Buhari has dismissed rumors that himself and the APC leadership are at war with the National leader of the party, Bola Tinubu, describing such rumors as unfounded and mischievous.

The Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity, Garba Shehu, in a statement released this evening, said President Buhari was highly embarrassed by such "suggestions" and that he was in regular contact with Tinubu before, during and after the Ondo gubernatorial election.

Garba said any suggestions that the President and the party machinery were working to destroy Tinubu had no foundation in truth or any credibility, explaining that the President was impressed by Tinubu's assurance not to work against the party in Ondo and he honoured his words.

The Presidential Media Aide also explained that President Buhari regards Tinubu as a priceless political asset to the party whose immeasurable contributions to the development and progress of the ruling party are known to all. Garba Shehu advised rumor mongers to stop spreading the seeds of discord and animosity between the President and Tinubu or the party, adding that the President is proud of Jagaban and his pivotal role in the party and the movement.

President Buhari commended Tinubu's spirit of comradeship in promptly congratulating Rotimi Akeredolu who was elected Governor. The President also noted that at a time his administration is preoccupied with governance issues, rumours of divisions and alleged scheming within the party are counterproductive to internal unity and cohesion in APC. He appealed to APC members and supporters to ignore rumours that could harm party unity.