Campaign organisation rejects claims that Tinubu and Wike met in France

A report of a meeting between Nyesom Wike, the governor of Rivers State, and Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the APC presidential candidate, in France was denied by the Tinubu Campaign Organization on Friday.

Joe Igbokwe, a senior member of the APC, stated on Friday that Wike, who is now on vacation abroad, paid a visit to the former governor of Lagos State in France earlier in the week.

Prior to the 2023 general elections, the claim had fueled rumours of an alliance between the two influential members of opposing political parties.

The organization’s spokesman, Tunde Rahman, called the claim bogus in a statement on Friday night and cautioned journalists against publishing unconfirmed information.

The statement read: “We have seen a viral social media post made by one of the chieftains of All Progressives Congress in Lagos State and media reports emanating from same about a supposed meeting in France between APC Presidential Standard-bearer, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, and His Excellency, Governor Nyesom Wike of Rivers State.

“It has become imperative to set the record straight. Although Asiwaju Tinubu is presently in France, he didn’t have any meeting with Governor Wike whether in that country or anywhere whatsoever.

“This, however, does not detract from the fact that the APC presidential candidate holds Governor Wike in high esteem.

“And given the national and across-party lines appeal of Asiwaju Tinubu’s candidature, he will not hesitate to meet any important national leader when desirable.

“As made public earlier, Asiwaju Tinubu is in France for some important engagements. He will return to the country shortly.

“We would like, once again, to advise journalists to always cross-check their information with appropriate officers before rushing to press to avoid unintended errors.”