2019: Leave Women Affairs Minister alone – APC

The All Progressives Congress (APC) Youths have further warned those accusing the Minister of Women Affairs, Aisha Alhassan, of disloyalty against President Muhammadu Buhari to steer clear of APC affairs.

They also defended Mrs Alhassan for her show of support to former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar ahead of the 2019 general elections.

A recent video which surfaced online showing the Minister expressing her support to Abubakar’s 2019 ambition had drawn the ire of many political observers and commentators who accuse her of disloyalty to President Muhammadu Buhari considering the fact that there are calls in some quarters for him to run for a second term in office.

However, in a statement signed by its National Secretary, Collins Edwin, the APC Youths Renaissance group said that Mrs. Alhassan was right to have remained loyal to Atiku Abubakar whom they described as her benefactor of many years.

The group noted that since the Minister had never been found wanting in her job as a member of the Federal Executive Council, she has done no wrong in expressing her support for Abubakar since President Buhari has neither personally nor publicly declared his intention to run for another term in office.

The APC youths further stressed that the Party is a united family where all party faithful are expected to respect party leaders

The statement reads: “Our attention has been drawn to the story making round in the social media accusing the Honourable Minister of Women Affairs, Mrs. Aisha Alhassan of disloyalty to the present administration.

“We wish to state categorically that Mrs. Aisha Alhassan has never been found wanting in her job as a Minister and her support for this administration.

“In any case, President Muhammadu Buhari would be very suspicious of Mrs. Aisha Alhassan if she dumps Alhaji Atiku Abubakar who is her benefactor for political correctness.

“Suffice to say that in a nation where politicians are quick to dump the hands that assisted them to get to where they are for political expediency, we commend the rare courage of Mrs. Aisha Alhassan in identifying with her political benefactor instead of acting otherwise.

“Besides, President Muhammadu Buhari has not told anyone that he is interested in seeking re-election in 2019.

“Therefore we are warning those who are trying to destroy our party by raising unnecessary dust to steer clear because APC is a united family where all party faithful are expected to respect party leaders of different class and learning.

“Not even in a situation where the President has not disclosed or declared to anybody that he will re-contest in 2019, should anyone rely on to accuse Mrs. Alhassan of disloyalty as her support for this administration is very glaring and cannot be questioned.

“Hence, the due respect accorded to Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, one of the leaders of our great party by Mrs. Aisha Alhassan is not out of place but a mark of respect to a political father.”