Atiku, Tinubu camps clash over candidates health status

The camps of the presidential aspirant of PDP Atiku Abubakar and former Lagos State governor, and current APC Presidential candidate Bola Tinubu, yesterday clashed over the health status of their principal. While Atikus camp insisted that their presidential candidate was fit to govern Nigeria, even if elected the next president, Tinubus camp took a contrary view. However, Tinubus camp in its reaction asked Nigerians not to accept empty promises from PDP in 2023 and said Atiku was too old and sick to lead Nigeria. Tinubu Media Office Director, who reacted to reports on the duo contesting next election in 2023, using a statement titled Sick But Not Well Enough To Govern and signed by him said Atikus age and his health condition was a major problem that presidential aspirants must address.”

The camps of the presidential aspirant of PDP Atiku Abubakar and former Lagos State governor, and current APC Presidential candidate Bola Tinubu, yesterday clashed over the health status of their principal.

The issue was raised by a reporter who asked Bola Tiuibu why he was not campaigning for Atiku when his rival was in such good health. The former governor said that Atiku is too old to lead Nigeria because his age should be above 70 years.

Tinubu insisted that his candidate’s health is fine; if elected president, he would manage Nigerians well since he has been through challenges in life like all other Nigerians. However, it could not be denied that many Nigerians are convinced that Atiku will die soon after being sworn into office as president because he has been told so by some prophets who came from abroad during his campaigns especially during primaries; hence they believe they are foretelling death or illness before handover day arrives which some believe signals end times.”

While Atikus camp insisted that their presidential candidate was fit to govern Nigeria, even if elected the next president, Tinubus camp took a contrary view.

In a statement signed by the party’s National Chairman, it said: “We have listened with interest and sympathy for what Mr Atiku Abubakar has had to say about his health status. As you are aware, he is an old man with health issues but he should know that these issues cannot be taken lightly or brushed aside like dust on his sleeve by those who seek power at any cost. We must not forget that he was elected president twice in spite of serious illness during both terms because most people believed he could still pull through somehow.”

He said: “Atiku is old and sick; he needs treatment for several ailments which can affect his ability to perform duties as President of Nigeria. The PDP has made it clear that they will not contest Presidency again under Atiku’s leadership but some people are trying to use this opportunity for personal gains”

Tinubus media aide said Nigerians should not allow themselves to be deceived into accepting empty promises.

Mr Tinubu’s camp, however, dismissed what they described as “empty threats” from Mr Atiku who they said was “old and sick” like many other senior politicians in Nigeria who have announced their retirement or death before running or winning elections.

Atiku, Tinubu camps clash over candidates health status