On Wednesday, the Federal Government stated that it was not “officially aware” of any individuals within the Presidential Villa working against the victory of Bola Tinubu, the All Progressives Congress (APC) flag bearer. The government also clarified that President Major General Muhammadu Buhari (retd.) was neither favoring nor opposing any presidential candidate in the lead-up to the February 25 election. Minister of Information Lai Mohammed made these remarks to State House Correspondents following this week’s Federal Executive Council meeting, which was chaired by the President at the Aso Rock Villa in Abuja.
The comments came in response to allegations made by Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai, who claimed that certain “elements” in Aso Rock were undermining Tinubu’s chances of becoming President. During an appearance on Channels Television’s breakfast program, Sunrise Daily, El-Rufai explained that these individuals were dissatisfied because Tinubu had defeated their preferred candidate in the June 2022 APC presidential primary. He pointed to the naira redesign policy as one of several strategies aimed at hindering Tinubu’s campaign, a claim that Tinubu had also made a week earlier.
El-Rufai expressed his belief that there were indeed elements within the Villa intent on sabotaging the election because their candidate did not win the primaries. He stated, “They are trying to get us to lose the election, and they are hiding behind the President’s desire to do what he thinks is right.” He provided two examples to illustrate his point: the petroleum subsidy and the currency redesign. El-Rufai argued that the petroleum subsidy, which costs the country trillions of Naira, was an issue that had been previously agreed upon for removal. He recalled discussing the matter with the President in 2021, emphasizing the need to prioritize the capital budget for federal roads over the subsidy.
Regarding the currency redesign, El-Rufai noted that while the Central Bank Governor was being blamed, the initiative had historical roots in Buhari’s earlier presidency. He explained that the intention behind the currency change was to combat illicit financial activities, but he criticized the timing and execution of the policy as politically and economically impractical.
In response to these allegations, Lai Mohammed asserted that the Buhari administration has been impartial towards all candidates, regardless of their party affiliations. He emphasized that the government is committed to ensuring a free and fair election, stating, “I think he has shown by words and deed that he is committed to a free, fair, and credible election.” Mohammed reiterated that the President has consistently made it clear that he does not favor or disfavor any candidate, a sentiment he expressed even during a recent visit to Daura.
Additionally, while speaking in Ogun State last Wednesday, Tinubu himself alleged that there were plans to sabotage the upcoming election. He cited the naira redesign policy implemented by the Central Bank of Nigeria and the ongoing fuel crisis as part of a broader plot to undermine the electoral process and his anticipated victory.
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