2023 Elections: I was in London but no deal with G-5 governors _Tinubu

The presidential candidate of the All-Progressives Congress (APC), Bola Tinubu, has reacted to recent reports on the alleged meeting involving some governors of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in London.

It was reported last week that Tinubu purportedly met and struck a deal with the five PDP governors who were also in London during the week.

“Tinubu met with the aggrieved governors yesterday (Tuesday) along with a delegation that included (Kayode) Fayemi, (Babajide) Sanwo-Olu, one other governor, and an ex-governor.

According to emerging reports, Tinubu and his associates were unequivocal in their demand for the disgruntled PDP chieftains to support him.

Earlier on Friday, while speaking at a project inauguration in Rivers, Wike affirmed that he was in London but refused to confirm or deny if any meeting with Tinubu was held.

However, he accused the PDP presidential candidate Atiku Abubakar of meeting with APC governors, adding that the G5 governors are free to do what they want.

Reacting to the news, Tinubu maintained that the report was a figment of the purveyor’s imagination.

Meanwhile, the All Progressives Congress (APC) Presidential candidate, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, has denied holding meetings with the five aggrieved governors of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), popularly known as the G-5.

In a statement issued on New Year’s eve by his media officer, Tunde Rahman, the former Lagos State Governor confirmed that he was in the United Kingdom capital during the week, but insisted he was only there to take time off his busy schedule.

The G-5, comprises of Governors Nyesom Wike (Rivers), Seyi Makinde (Oyo), Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi (Enugu), Okezie Ikpeazu (Abia), and Samuel Ortom (Benue), was reported to have agreed to support the APC presidential candidate having fallen out with their party’s candidate, Atiku Abubakar.

While insisting that he has the liberty to meet any politician or political stakeholders of his choice, the APC candidate further warned those behind the rumours to desist forthwith.

“While in the United Kingdom, 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 the 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.

“The Presidential Standard-bearer of the All Progressives Congress, 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 Renewed Hope to our people in all facets of their lives.

“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.

“The truth with respect to his present itinerary is as follows, Tinubu came to London on Boxing Day Monday, December 26, 2022, to spend a few days preparing for his trip to Saudi Arabia. After spending some time in London, he has now proceeded to Mecca where he is at present observing Umrah.

“He is scheduled to return to the country within the next two days to continue with the campaign. We would like to use this opportunity to advise those writing unsubstantiated articles and peddling rumours about him to desist forthwith.”

The G5 Governors have said the group will make a choice from a southern candidate which informs likely throwing their weight behind one of the prominent southern candidates.