by Akan Ido

Former Head of State, Gen. Muhammadu Buhari (rtd) has come out to refute claims that his party, the All Progressives Congress (APC) are planning a Muslim/Muslim ticket for next year’s presidential election.

The opposition leader maintained that he is yet to make a decision on contesting in the 2015 elections therefore the issue of running with former Lagos governor, Bola Tinubu does not come up.

Buhari who reacted through his spokesperson, Malam Ya’u Darazau, said the matter has not even been discussed as it is widely rumoured.

“Those who will be presidential and vice-presidential flag bearers will be named during the party’s convention. It is untrue that the General will have Tinubu as his running mate in the 2015 elections and the matter hasn’t even been discussed.

“The General and, indeed, other party leaders are trying to unite the party now and ensure the success of the congresses. We don’t know where and how the rumour emerged because convention has to be conducted before presidential candidate and his running mate is chosen and this has not yet been done,” he said.

Several members of the opposition APC, including former aviation minister, Femi Fani-Kayode have expressed strong opinions against alleged plans by Buhari and Tinubu, both frontline members of the party, to fly the party’s flag in next year’s election calling for a level playing field in the selection of candidates.