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Tinubu’s government reacts as Atiku and Peter Obi’s meeting sparks merger talks for 2027 election

Published

2 months ago

May 19, 2024

The government of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has dismissed the planned alliance between former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and former Governor of Anambra State, Peter Obi.

Tinubu’s Special Adviser on information and strategy, Bayo Onanuga, said the President was focused on fixing the country’s economy and not the game Atiku and Obi are playing.

Onanuga spoke against the backdrop of a possible merger between Atiku and Obi.

Last week, Obi had met with Atiku, former Senate President Bukola Saraki and a PDP chieftain, Sule Lamido.

Speaking with BBC Hausa, Atiku had hinted on stepping down for the former Anambra State governor during the 2027 presidential election.

However, speaking on Saturday in Abuja, Onanuga said: “We are only surprised that they are plotting just one year after an election they lost. They are still behaving like sore losers.

“We are not bothered by the games they are playing, as they are revealing their mindset. They are mere politicians who only think about the next election.

“President Tinubu is a true statesman who is concerned about fulfilling his promises to Nigerians.

“At the moment, he is very busy resetting the economy of our country for the better, laying the foundation that ought to have been laid decades ago.”

Similarly, the Minister of Information, Mohammed Idris, said the Federal Government was not worried about the planned merger or alliance. According to him, anybody could decide to collaborate and meet.

He stated that the question, for him, was what happened after the talk and numerous meetings. The minister stressed that Tinubu’s works would speak for him in the next election cycle in 2027.

“The government is not thinking about them at all. We are focused on delivering on the mandate handed over to President Bola Tinubu. With the good works the government is doing, he is already the toast of Nigerians.

“So, they will continue to support him. Just a few days ago, the Federal Government inaugurated three critical gas infrastructure projects in Imo and Delta states to drive the country’s gas sector. The projects are the ANOH-OB3 CTMS gas pipeline and ANOH gas processing plant in Assa, Ohaji/Egbema in Imo State.

“The President also inaugurated the expansion of the AHL gas processing plant 2 gas project in Kwale, Delta State. The social security programme is ongoing. The Compressed Natural Gas project is there as well. Dry farming initiatives have taken root, and so many other projects that will benefit Nigerians are either ongoing or in the pipeline.

“Tell me, how will the meeting of those two men be an issue? No, we are not worried at all. The government of President Tinubu is focused and not disturbed,” he said