Buhari, Atiku aides Clash Over Principals’ 2019 Aspirations

Eniola Olayemi

The gloves were off again yesterday. President Muhammadu Buhari’s and former Vice President Atiku Abubakar’s camps were locked in a bitter row over the key issue of credibility.

The PDP Presidential Campaign Organisation called on President Buhari not to run in next year’s election over an alleged involvement of some people believed to be his relatives in the acquisition of shares in 9 Mobile and Keystone Bank.

But the Buhari Media Organisation fired back, accusing the PDP flag bearer of being desperate to drag the President’s name in the mud.

The war of words came on a day the National Chairman of the ruling APC, Adams Oshiomhole, wrote off the PDP as no alternative for Nigerians. He predicted that the opposition PDP will make a minimal impact in the 2019 general elections.

Oshiomhole spoke with State House correspondents after meeting with Vice President Yemi Osinbajo at the State House in Abuja.

It also came on a day the APC announced the commencement of its presidential campaign with tomorrow’s rally at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo, the Akwa Ibom State capital.

Atiku and his party said the President should opt out of the race on moral ground, alleging that members of his family acquired stakes in the telecom firm and two banks.

The opposition party demanded an explanation for the source of the funds used for the investments.

The PDP said that the President no longer has the moral standing to seek re-election until he has addressed the allegation.

Its candidate had, in a statement on Wednesday, accused President Buhari of soiling his hands in the alleged acquisition of shares in 9 Mobile and Keystone Bank Plc.

The PDP, through its campaign’s spokesman Kola Ologbondiyan, told the President to perish the thought of going ahead with his campaign without clearing his name.

Stating that the issue borders on President Buhari’s integrity, Ologbondiyan urged the President not to bring his exalted office into disrepute.

He said: “This is not an issue for President Buhari’s aides to howl about in the media, it touches directly on his person, particularly his perception as a symbol of the talakawas. He must therefore address them on this issue.