Bashir Ahmad, a former presidential aide, has refuted allegations that he lodged complaints regarding President Bola Tinubu or his administration with Bello El-Rufai, expressing astonishment over a Facebook publication credited to the son of the former Kaduna State governor.
Ahmad said he had seen a screenshot of the post, which El-Rufai also sent to him on WhatsApp, prompting him to ask where exactly he had made the alleged complaint and what he was said to have complained about.
“Honestly, I cannot remember Bello and I ever having a conversation about the administration of President Bola Tinubu, the elections or anything of that nature,” Ahmad said in a post on Thursday.
He said the claim had generated thousands of comments, including insults directed at him over a conversation he said he never had.
“For the avoidance of doubt, I did not complain to Bello about anything concerning the President or his administration,” he said.
Ahmad reaffirmed his membership of the All Progressives Congress (APC), saying he supports President Tinubu and is campaigning for his re-election.
He, however, said Nigerians had the right to make their own political choices, adding that he would also be free to leave the APC and support another candidate if he no longer agreed with Tinubu’s leadership or policies.
“I do not believe in anti-party activities. As long as I remain a member of the APC and continue to support the President, I will stand by my political commitment,” he said.
Ahmad called on El-Rufai to clarify any specific conversation or statement he was referring to and present it in its proper context.
He said this would be fair, particularly because the public post had triggered what he described as widespread abuse against him.
What You Should Know
This news centers around a political disagreement on social media between Bashir Ahmad, a former presidential aide, and Bello El-Rufai, involving unverified claims of criticism against President Bola Tinubu’s government. Ahmad has firmly denied the allegations, reaffirmed his loyalty to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), and demanded clarity from El-Rufai to clear his name from public backlash.
- Positive Impact: Reaffirms transparency and political accountability, as public figures openly address and clarify rumors that could otherwise mislead the electorate.
- Potential Concerns: Highlights the growing trend of unverified social media claims and digital misinformation which can easily trigger widespread public abuse and political tension in the country.
