“I am solidly behind Tinubu, all APC candidates” _ Presidency responds to Yakasai statement

The presidency says no one should take Elder Statesman Alhaji Tanko Yakkasi seriously over his comment on a live television programme where he questioned President Buhari’s support for the APC at the forthcoming election.

The senior special assistant to the President on Media and Publicity Garba Shehu put out a press statement titled “On Alhaji Tanko Yakasai’s Questioning of the President’s Support of APC at the Forthcoming Election,” where he defended President Buhari’s commitment to the APC and his resolve to campaign for candidates of the party.

He says Yakasai’s questioning of the loyalties of President Muhammadu Buhari stands in sharp contrast to the actions of the President.

Garba Shehu pointed out that only on Monday, President Buhari was out at a rally in Bauchi supporting the flag bearer of the party, and if Presidential duties permit, he is scheduled to make further appearances at campaign events in the coming weeks.

The presidency insists President Muhammadu Buhari’s support for Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, flagbearer of the APC in next month’s presidential election is unquestioned.

He said the old man needed “a bit of help” as his remarks contradicted the actions of Mr President during the ongoing campaigns, adding that President Buhari will further appear at campaign events in the coming weeks.

“Alhaji Tanko Yakasai is unknown to the All Progressives Congress, APC. Everyone is entitled to their view, but what we do know is that his insight in a recent interview does not come from within the party or the President’s team. His support for Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu is welcome although it is difficult to see what value it will add.

“He is right to highlight his experience as a senior citizen, a leader in government, and his ability to reach out across divides are strong foundation for the highest office.

“But Yakasai’s questioning of the loyalties of President Muhammadu Buhari stands in sharp contrast to the actions of the President. Only on Monday, he was out at a rally in Bauchi supporting the flag bearer of the party. Presidential duties permitting, he is scheduled to make further appearances at campaign events in the coming weeks.

“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. Perhaps times are hard and the old man needs a bit of help.”