Mallam Garba Shehu, spokesperson to former President Muhammadu Buhari, has dismissed claims of a strained relationship between Buhari and President Bola Tinubu.
Speaking during an interview on Trust TV’s 30 Minutes, Shehu said speculations of a rift are unfounded and not based on any formal dispute between the two leaders.
Shehu emphasized that Buhari remains a loyal member of the All Progressives Congress (APC), the party that brought him to power after multiple unsuccessful presidential bids. He reaffirmed Buhari’s gratitude to the party, which he credited for enabling his two-term presidency, adding that Buhari has consistently expressed his loyalty and commitment to the APC.
“When people are entitled to hold their opinion, your interpretation of it is purely your entitlement,” Shehu remarked. “I don’t think anyone can formally or officially claim there is distrust between the Buhari and Tinubu administrations.” He reiterated that Buhari has never denied the role the APC played in his political journey and would never betray the party.
Addressing rumors of political tension within the ruling party, Shehu maintained that such narratives are more reflective of public speculation than internal party dynamics. “We see statements; we read them when people say these things. Do we get disturbed? I don’t think that is the word,” he said, brushing off suggestions that Buhari’s camp feels threatened or uneasy.
According to Shehu, those who were part of the 2014 coalition that led to the formation of the APC understand the depth of commitment it took to establish the party. He argued that such individuals are unlikely to be the ones destabilizing it now, given their firsthand experience in building the political alliance.
“It took a lot of doing, energy, and sacrifice for the APC to have been put in place,” Shehu recalled. “Desperate opposition elements came together, tried repeatedly, and failed until 2014. That success wasn’t easy, and those who lived it know the value of unity.” His comments appeared directed at quelling fears of a looming crisis in the ruling party.
Ultimately, Shehu’s remarks paint a picture of continuity and unity between Buhari and Tinubu, while underscoring the enduring strength of the APC. He urged observers to avoid reading too much into unverified claims, suggesting that the party remains focused on governance and internal cohesion.
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