In a recent interview on
Arise Television, Senator Abdullahi Adamu, the National Chairman of the All
Progressives Congress (APC), defended his actions and expressed his belief that
he deserved commendation for his contributions to the party. Despite supporting
Senator Ahmad Lawan in the lead-up to the party’s presidential primaries, Adamu
emphasized that he played a crucial role in the victory of President Bola
Tinubu.
Adamu dismissed the
rumors of differences between himself and the president, asserting that before
Tinubu emerged as a candidate, he had the freedom to support anyone he chose.
He clarified that his stance on the recently elected principal officers of the
national assembly was misinterpreted, explaining that the party’s concern was
with the way the lawmakers handled the communication.
Addressing the
criticisms against him, Adamu mentioned that those who had issues with him had
always had the opportunity to express their views during national meetings. He
specifically mentioned Saliu Lukman, who accused him of running a one-man show
but attended those meetings himself. Adamu considered Lukman’s decision to take
the party to court a grave offense, even though Lukman later withdrew the case
and apologized.
Adamu clarified his
position on Senator Ahmed Lawan, stating that he had the right to hold an
opinion about him before the primaries. However, once Tinubu emerged as the
candidate, Adamu believed that every party member should rally around him. He
emphasized his current good working relationship with Tinubu and highlighted
that the president has always given him his full attention during their
meetings.
Adamu expressed his
willingness to disagree with the president on any matter, as freedom of speech
exists in the country. He dismissed claims of an altercation with the
president, deeming them as media fabrications. He urged the media to be fair in
their reporting, emphasizing that reports about himself and the president not
being on the same page were mere speculations.
Regarding his reported
comments about Ondo Governor Rotimi Akeredolu being extremely incapacitated,
Adamu clarified that he made no such pronouncement during his meeting with
state chairmen.
Looking to the future,
Adamu expressed optimism about the APC, stating that he hoped Tinubu would
secure a second term in the next four years. He remained unfazed by media
reports of differences with the president, emphasizing that his primary goal at
the moment was to maintain a strong and united party.
Adamu concluded by
expressing his willingness to accept the G-5 governors, led by Nyesom Wike,
into the APC. He stated that they would be warmly welcomed whenever they
decided to join the party.
