Former National Publicity Secretary of the Peoples Democratic Party, Olisa Metuh, has revealed that President Bola Tinubu attempted to recruit him to join the All Progressives Congress. According to Metuh, President Tinubu sent his Chief of Staff, Femi Gbajabiamila, who was then the Speaker of the House of Representatives, to persuade him to join the APC.
Metuh shared this information while addressing journalists in Abuja, stating that President Tinubu had approached him on multiple occasions, urging him to join the APC and work together. However, Metuh claimed he declined these offers, including one made after the 2015 election and another in 2022, when he decided to leave politics. Even after President Tinubu’s election victory, Metuh said he was invited to join the party, but he refused, citing his decision to stop participating in politics.
Metuh’s past involvement in politics was marked by controversy, including his trial and imprisonment over allegations of diverting funds intended to combat Boko Haram insurgents in 2015. He was accused of receiving N400 million from the Office of the National Security Adviser under Sambo Dasuki’s leadership. Metuh’s conviction was based on his inability to prove that the money he received through his companies was used for former President Goodluck Jonathan’s election campaign.
The revelation about President Tinubu’s attempts to recruit Metuh provides insight into the president’s efforts to build alliances and expand his party’s influence. Metuh’s decision to decline these offers reflects his commitment to his decision to leave politics, despite being approached by a prominent political figure. The development is significant, given Metuh’s past experience and influence in Nigerian politics, and may have implications for the country’s political landscape.
