ABSENCE AT ONDO RALLY: AFIKUYOMI REFUTES LALONG’S CLAIM ON TINUBU’S HEALTH

Senator Tokunbo Afikuyomi, a close ally of the
National Leader of the All Progressives Congress
(APC), Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, has refuted the claim
by Plateau State Governor Solomon Lalong that
the conspicuous absence of Asiwaju Tinubu at
last Saturday’s Ondo State APC governorship rally
was as a result of Tinubu’s ill-health.

According to Afikuyomi, “I travelled to the United

States of America with Asiwaju Bola Ahmed

Tinubu to witness the recent US elections.

We traversed a number of cities together where

we engaged with a number of Nigerians who are

genuinely concerned about the state of affairs in

our dear country. Jagaban was in a remarkable

state of mental and physical wellness. When we

ended our trip, I saw him off to the airport in

Chicago from where he headed for Europe again. I

still met with him in Europe thereafter.

“It is therefore absolutely incorrect and most

embarrassing for anyone to attempt to invent

such a laughable reason for Asiwaju Bola

Tinubu’s absence at the rally. The fact that

somebody went for medical check-up does not

mean he is ill. In the likely event that Asiwaju,

like all mortals, was ill at all, I doubt if Mr. Lalong

would be the first to know by reason of

relationship, proximity and trust.

“Prominent politicians like Ogun State Governor

Ibikunle Amosun have been speaking with

Jagaban Tinubu. Governor Amosun particularly

communicated with him a day before the Ondo

rally and he can never claim not to have spoken

with him. I have also remained in constant touch

with Asiwaju Tinubu since my arrival in Nigeria.

We speak daily as a matter of fact.

“I have been inundated with calls by friends,

associates and other well-meaning Nigerians

trying to ascertain the veracity of this ludicrous

claim. I hereby ask all friends and lovers of

Asiwaju Tinubu to dismiss the claim and know

that he is hale and hearty.”

Asiwaju Tinubu, former APC Interim Chairman,

Chief Bisi Akande and three governors from the

South-west-Rauf Aregbesola (Osun), Abiola

Ajimobi (Oyo) and Akinwunmi Ambode (Lagos)-

were not at the rally.

Governor Lalong had in his capacity as the

Chairman of the Ondo State Governorship

Campaign explained that Tinubu was absent at

the rally due to ill health.

Lalong was quoted to have told State House

Correspondents after visiting President

Muhammadu Buhari that, “if a leader was not

there and he said he was not there because of

ill-health, we have prayed that God will heal him.”

Signed:

Senator Tokunbo Afikuyomi