‘We’re behind him’ — UK APC says planned protest against Tinubu in London a misadventure

The UK chapter of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) has re-affirmed its loyalty to President Bola Tinubu.

According to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), Tunde Doherty, chairperson of the chapter, spoke on Friday in Lagos in reaction to a reported planned protest again Tinubu in London.

Doherty, also the chairperson of the APC diaspora committee, said he felt compelled to respond to recent allegations made by a group led by Aisha Yesufu, an activist associated with the Labour Party (LP).

Yesufu had accused Tinubu of rigging his way into the presidency and said he would never be seen as her president.

Reacting to the allegations, Doherty said they lacked evidence and asked the intending protesters to focus on discourses that unite the nation.

“It has come to our attention that this group is organising a protest in London to propagate unfounded claims about the educational credentials of President Bola Tinubu,” NAN quoted the APC diaspora chairperson as saying.

“We firmly believe our responsibility is to address this matter and underscore the significance of relying on substantiated facts over premature and unsubstantiated allegations.

“President Bola Tinubu, a seasoned and distinguished statesman, has a long and illustrious track record of serving our great nation.

“Throughout his career, he has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to the betterment of Nigeria and its people.

“The allegations of forged certificates not only lack concrete evidence but also undermine the spirit of democracy and fair political discourse that we hold dear.”

Doherty said the APC diaspora leaders were standing solidly behind Tinubu and called for protests that must be based on facts and a genuine pursuit of justice rather than serving as a platform for character assassination and divisive tactics.

He also asked the intending protesters to consider the potential consequences of spreading unfounded allegations and misinformation and called for a more “constructive approach” to addressing concerns or grievances related to the nation’s leadership.

“We extend an open invitation to anyone with genuine concerns to engage in a meaningful and informed dialogue with us, as we firmly believe in the power of informed, collaborative, and fact-based solutions to move our nation forward,” he added.

Doherty asked all concerned parties to reconsider their actions and “seek the truth” through rational and respectful discourse rather than stirring controversies.