Tinubu’s gaffe on el-Rufai shows he needs to rest — not contest presidency, says Atiku’s aide

Phrank Shaibu, an aide to Atiku Abubakar, presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), says a recent blunder by Bola Tinubu is a pointer that he cannot withstand the rigours of office.

Speaking on Saturday at the seventh edition of the Kaduna Economic and Investment Summit (KADInvest 7.0), Tinubu said Nasir el-Rufai, governor of the state, “turned a rotten situation to a bad one”.

In a statement on Sunday, Shaibu, a special assistant to Abubakar on communication, said the APC candidate is “tired and weak” and should not be president “at all costs”.

“When you look at the APC presidential candidate, you will see someone that is tired and weak,” he said.

“You have also heard the many gaffes that have come from him even before the kick-off of campaigns. The Kaduna comment is one gaffe too many, and therefore unpardonable. You don’t have to be president at all costs; when you are tired, you go home.

“Nigeria is currently in a dire situation with every sector of the economy in deep decay. Therefore, the nation cannot afford to hand over a sick nation to a sick president.

“This country deserves a fit leader. The office of the president is not for ailing people. Tinubu has tried his best but he is now weak and tired and should be allowed to go home and take a deserved rest.”