The former Lagos State Governor was recently in London, United Kingdom, from where he travelled to Mecca, Saudi Arabia to observe Umrah (Lesser Hajj).
While in London, Tinubu was alleged to have had a secret meeting with the disgruntled G-5 Governors of the main opposition party, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to negotiate support for his presidential bid.
Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike, was alleged to have led the other members of the G-5 Governors: Seyi Makinde (Oyo), Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi (Enugu), Okezie Ikpeazu (Abia), and Samuel Ortom (Benue), to the meeting.
The five governors have been at loggerheads with their party, PDP, over their demand that since the presidential candidate of the party, Atiku Abubakar, is from the North, the National Chairman Iyorchia Ayu, should step down for a southerner to ensure political balance.
He noted that the reports were published to advance the political interests of the writers and their sponsors, and advised those peddling the rumour to desist from it.
“As usual with him when a year is coming to an end to take time off his busy schedules, take a little rest and proceed to Saudi Arabia to observe Umrah(Lesser Hajj), Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu was in London during the week en route Mecca, Saudi Arabia.
“While in the United Kingdom, Asiwaju Tinubu noted some articles in some national newspapers in Nigeria, alleging a secret meeting was held in London between him and the G-5 governors who are members of Peoples Democratic Party.
“These reports, to say the least, are not only in bad faith but also evil intentioned. They were published to advance the political interests of the writers and their sponsors,” the statement said.
“We would like to use this opportunity to advise those writing unsubstantiated articles and peddling rumours on him to desist forthwith,” it added.