A coalition pushing for the emergence of Bola Tinubu as presidential candidate of the All Progressives Congress for the 2023 elections, Support Groups Management Council, has debunked reports he wet his cloth during a visit to the Alake of Egbaland Oba Adedotun Gbadebo on Saturday.
A viral photograph shows Tinubu standing up in a wet dress to pay homage to the monarch.
However, in a statement on Sunday, the coalition said the viral photo was manipulated, noting that Tinubu is healthy and physically fit to be Nigeria’s president.
The statement signed by its spokesman Biodun Ajiboye read, “The success Asiwaju Tinubu recorded at these high-level visitations to top traditional rulers had again led enemies of progress, the brewers of hate, discord and disharmony to script a dirty tale to discredit this awesome outing. This time it is that he wetted his dress!
“Assuming without conceding that is the case, so is it the back of his knees that would be wet and not the bum area? So if he wetted his babariga, he would not cover it and would still move to be flat to greet the Awujale of Ijebuland in the full glare of everyone present? It was the usual photoshop manipulations and shallow mental agility that pushed them to dispense a feeble narrative that made no iota of sense.
“Yet as their video showed, it was after their wetting incident that he went ahead and prostrated to Kabiyesi.”
The statement said the allegation is another distraction which will not deter Tinubu from pursuing his ambition.
“Asiwaju Tinubu has declared his interest in the presidential race. He has his legs on the throttle. There is no going back.
“We appeal to Nigerian to ignore the evil-minded machinations and assure Nigerians that Asiwaju Bola Tinubu is healthy and strong enough to undertake the responsibilities involved in the expected rigours of campaigns and politicking when the time comes,” it added.
Tinubu’s physical fitness has been a source of debate for many. Last year, he spent months in the UK where he underwent knee surgery and physiotherapy.
