UPDATED: Tinubu is hale and hearty, Afikuyomi counters Lalong

Bola Tinubu, a national leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC), is hale and hearty, his political associate, Tokunbo Afikuyomi, has said.

In a statement he issued on Tuesday evening, Afikuyomi denied claims by Plateau state governor, Simon Lalong, that the former governor of Lagos was absent at the APC governorship rally in Ondo state on Saturday because of ill health.

Afikuyomi, a former senator, described Lalong’s claim as “absolutely incorrect”.

Tinubu’s absence from the APC rally, which was attended by President Muhammadu Buhari, might not be unconnected with the party’s governorship primary.

Former APC interim chairman, Bisi Akande, and three governors from the south-west, Rauf Aregbesola (Osun), Abiola Ajimobi (Oyo) and Akinwunmi Ambode (Lagos), were not at the rally.

Tinubu-backed Segun Abraham lost to Rotimi Akeredolu in the battle for the party’s ticket amid claims that the delegate list was manipulated.

Tinubu called for the resignation of John Oyegun, APC national chairman, after the primary.

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.”