The presidency has summoned the minister of women affairs, Aisha Alhassan, to Aso Rock a day after her reported endorsement of Atiku Abubakar for president in 2019 became public.
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According to the Sun, the summon may be connected to her comments on Wednesday, September 6, where she reportedly said even if President Buhari decides to re-contest in 2019, she would still support Atiku.
RationalTV.blogspot.com had reported that Alhassan in an interview with the BBC Hausa, Alhassan explainedthat the former vice president is her ‘godfather’, and that is why she supports him.
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Meanwhile, Aisha Alhassan’s reported endorsement of Abubakar has sparked disquiet among ministers who fear her comment could hasten cabinet reshuffle.
The Nation reports that most cabinet members were shocked by their colleague’s comment.
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While some said it was typical of the minister, others said it showed her disloyalty.
One minister who spoke on the condition of anonymity said: “Some of us called her when the video went viral and she confirmed the comments attributed to her.
“To me, I think it is like passing a vote of no confidence on your boss. I think it is untidy to write off your boss as incompetent to continue in office.”
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Another cabinet member said:“I am not surprised; it is typical of the Minister of Women Affairs. But the ideal thing is to leave and pursue your career. This development might affect our unity in the cabinet. Some will certainly not trust her again.”
However, the All Progressives Congress (APC) youthshave thrown their weight behind Aisha Alhassan saying she has the right to support her godfather, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar.
In reaction, APC youths said she has every right to support her godfather as President Muhammadu Buhari has not declared his intention.
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In a statement signed by its national secretary, Collins Edwin, the APC Youths Renaissance group said that Mrs Alhassan was right to her benefactor
The group said the minister has not been found wanting in her duty as minister and warned against people trying to divide the party.
