The Presidency has criticized Kano-based elder statesman and human rights activist, Tanko Yakasai, for questioning the loyalty of President Muhammadu Buhari regarding his support for the All Progressives Congress (APC) presidential candidate, Bola Tinubu. The statement emphasized that Yakasai’s recent remarks, which suggested that Buhari has not fully endorsed Tinubu, contradict the President’s active participation in recent party campaign rallies. The Presidency asserted that Buhari’s support for Tinubu is “unquestioned.”
Garba Shehu, Buhari’s Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, released a statement on Wednesday addressing Yakasai’s comments. In a recent interview on Control TV, Yakasai expressed uncertainty about Buhari’s commitment to Tinubu’s candidacy, stating, “What I realize is that I’m not sure if Buhari is happy with the candidature of Tinubu.” He further questioned whether Buhari was genuinely supporting the APC candidate, saying, “I have my doubt.” When asked about which candidate Buhari supports, Yakasai replied, “I don’t know,” adding that he had not observed any strong commitment from the President towards Tinubu.
The Presidency responded by asserting that Yakasai is not affiliated with the APC and that his insights do not reflect the views of the party or the President’s team. Shehu acknowledged Yakasai’s experience as a senior citizen and leader but noted that his questioning of Buhari’s loyalty sharply contrasts with the President’s actions. Just days prior, Buhari had attended a rally in Bauchi to support the party’s flag bearer, and he is expected to make further appearances at campaign events in the coming weeks.
In conclusion, the Presidency urged Nigerians not to take Yakasai’s comments seriously, suggesting that the elder statesman may be in need of assistance. Shehu remarked, “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.”
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