In a strong appeal to President Asiwaju Ahmed Tinubu, the coalition of Tinubu-Shettima Support Groups and Supporters of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Bauchi State have urged him not to be swayed by the demands of certain individuals seeking ministerial appointments.
The coalition members argue that these individuals had abandoned the party during the elections but now seek compensation after the party’s victory.
In a statement jointly signed by Kaleb Gambar, Mohammed Nasiru Isah Comrade Abdullahi Dauda, for and on behalf of the Coalition, they said mentioned former Bauchi State Governor, Mallam Isa Yuguda, adding the despite being the campaign coordinator for Mr. Jack Rich during the Presidential Primary, Yuguda failed to secure a single vote out of Bauchi’s 60 delegates.
The coalition asserted that considering him for a ministerial position would be detrimental to the party’s integrity since he was absent during the elections and did not contribute to the party’s success.
The coalition also named Dr. Ali Pate, a former Minister of State for Health. Dr. Pate who allegedly claims that his appointment as a minister by President Bola Tinubu would guarantee an increase in intervention funds from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, citing his close relationship with Bill Gates.
The coalition views these claims with skepticism, suggesting that Dr. Pate’s statements are mere attempts to bolster his credentials.
They question his commitment to the party, asking where he was during the campaign and elections and what his contributions were to the party’s success.
The coalition emphasizes the need for President Tinubu to carefully consider the loyalty, dedication, and track record of individuals seeking ministerial positions. They stress that rewarding those who abandoned the party during crucial moments could undermine the party’s principles and jeopardize its future.
“We need to plead with our President and stressed the need to appoint party loyalists who genuinely share his democratic ideals and political philosophy of progressive governance.
“We are also mindful of the fact that our party’s poor reward system under the last administration almost cost us the last election because those who never wanted our party in power were given sensitive positions which they used to frustrate President Muhammadu Buhari and our party’s good policies. We must not allow a repeat of this ugly situation.
“It is on this premise we wish to urge President Tinubu not to fall for the cheap blackmail by individuals hiding under the guise of technocrats to sneak into his government to the deterinment of loyal party men who are not only competent but equally qualified to hold office and also hold the party together in words and in deed.” The statement said.
