The presidential candidate of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), Bola Ahmed Tinubu, on Saturday dismissed reports that he secretly met with the G5 governors of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
He said the reports were in bad faith and with evil intention.
The APC Flag bearer, who is currently performing Umrah (Lesser Hajj) in Saudi Arabia, believes the reports were published to advance the political interests of the writers and their sponsors.
In a statement by his media aide, Tunde Rahman in Abuja, Tinubu said he was focused on his campaign.
The statement reads: ” While in the United Kingdom, Asiwaju 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 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, His Excellency Asiwaju Tinubu, is neither bothered by these articles nor by their sponsors who are well known.
Tinubu, however, said he was entitled to meet with any political actor or stakeholder that is important to his campaign and plans for the country or who desires to engage with him.
He advised the sponsors and writers of unsubstantiated articles and those peddling rumours about him to stop.
The former Lagos State governor said he usually takes time off his busy schedule as the year comes to an end to rest before proceeding to Saudi Arabia to observe Umrah (Lesser Hajj).
“Tinubu came to London on Boxing Day Monday, December 26, 2022, to spend a few days preparatory to 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,” the statement added.